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First Day of School Tips for Teachers

Successful Ideas for Kindergarten Teachers Dealing with Parents

Jul 18, 2009 Karri Weathers

Parents are very involved in a kindergarten student's education. The first meeting that a kindergarten teacher has with the parents is essential to a successful year.

The first day of kindergarten is typically difficult for three people involved, the child, the parent, and the teacher. How a teacher conducts him or herself on the first day of school creates a great impact on the outlook and attitude of the child and parent for the entire school year. There are several tips for kindergarten teachers that help make the first day of school a success with parents.

What New Parents Expect on the First Day of School

Most parents new to school expect the first day of school to be a very big deal. They take off from or go in late to work. They get up early to prepare for the day. They do not expect to simply drop off their child and be rushed out of the building. They expect to gain information and have personal interaction with the teacher. They want to see that their children are settled and adjusted before leaving. They expect to feel confident that the class is organized and that their children are in good hands.

How Parents Feel on the First Day of Kindergarten

On their child's first day of school, most parents are nervous, sad, and excited. They are as nervous as the children about meeting the other students, parents, and teachers. The parents are sad that the child is growing old enough to enter a new milestone in his or her life. They are excited about the new adventure.

Kindergarten Teachers Dealing with Parent Nervousness

Most teachers are quick to assure the children that the day will be fun and wonderful. As this is a good practice, parents also often need reassurance. As teachers talk with the parents, it is important that they assure him or her that the child will have a great day. It helps to explain to the parents of crying children that the reaction is normal. Reassure them that the child will calm as the day progresses and the parents are out of sight.

Teachers Dealing with Parent Sadness

In most cases, an understanding of sad emotions is enough to connect with parents. The display of this understanding is easily shown through written poems, sayings, phrases, and book readings that deal with the difficulty in leaving a child at school or watching a child grow.

Kindergarten Teachers Dealing with Parent Excitement

Kindergarten parents are excited about being a part of all of the “firsts” that their children are about to experience. They expect teachers of this grade to be equally excited (no matter how many years they have be doing this). Greet parents with enthusiasm. Offer an exciting environment with brightly colored pictures and posters. Teachers should wear a smile on their face despite the reluctance to go back to work after summer vacation. Discuss anything and everything positive about the school, kindergarten, the day, and the classroom.

Check out Kinder Themes and Kinder Korner to learn more great ideas for the first day of school.

The copyright of the article First Day of School Tips for Teachers in Teacher Tips/Training is owned by Karri Weathers. Permission to republish First Day of School Tips for Teachers in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Display of Enthusiasm