Delaying Kindergarten-Issues of Today

[judi]

In the beginning of kindergarten, I wanted to send a note to my daughter in her snack/lunch. She couldn't read yet, so I would drew a little picture to let her know I loved her and was thinking of her. I didn't think too much of it, but if I didn't do it on a day, she would ask me why I didn't send her a note. I think it helped feel like a part of me was there and was behind her. She finally in 5th grade asked me to stop
All the best to the incoming kindergarteners!

[milflores]

Thanks Judi for sharing your personal story above. I, too, will never forget how my (former) students would "smile" whenever they would get little notes from their parents tucked away in their lunch boxes. For those who were not able to read yet, I would read the notes verbatim of what their parent(s) wrote to them. I will never forget one boy's laughter because one day, his mother wrote a "Knock, knock....Who's there?" kind of joke, and she ended it with, "See you at dinner tonight, (Signed) Mom with an XO XO XO" symbol. Wow! Imagine, if it "melted" my own heart, imagine what this gesture does to a 5 year-old!

When I look at a child's smile, hear a laughter, see the child tuck the note away in her/his pocket to save it till the end of the day, or note a child (yes!) kiss the crumpled note written so preciously by her/his parent, there are simply no words to explain it. The parent may not be there physically, but emotionally the child's expressions and feelings sum it up, knowing full well s/he is being thought of, loved, and supported by mom or dad (or family member). This gesture definitely helps a kindergartener adjust to her/his newfound situation.

Hope others share their own stories and experiences as well. Eager to hear from you.....

Milflores

[milflores]

Hi parents/families/caregivers,

Now that we are in the midst of September, many of our precious ones have already started kindergarten. It would be nice to hear how your child is doing in this new setting. Questions surrounding how your child's adjusting to the school, new friends, daily routines, separation/bonding issues with parent, etc. are some of the basic areas. Is your child coming home happy from the day's event? Is your child excited sharing stories that happened at school? Or do you feel your child is experiencing some new challenges and anxieties, which are also common and naturally expected for some children? Please write in and share us some of your child's daily highlights and anecdotes, like what your child's favorite events and experiences are. Has your child come home singing a new song, or perhaps learning a new skill or concept? Also, if you have questions as well or insights, please share them with us.

Looking forward to hearing from you all,

Milflores