Dear Kindergarten,
I came to visit you today. My mom came with me…and she stayed. I know that one day she won’t be able to stay. But, for now, when we visit, she can stay with me.
When we got to kindergarten, I met my teacher, Mrs. S. She liked that I wore my panther shirt. I’m glad my mom asked me about wearing it. Mrs. S was happy to see me. I could tell by her smile and her eyes. We have been talking about emotions at my school. Emotions mean how you feel. I am learning how to know what people are feeling just by looking at them.
When I saw all the stuff in kindergarten, I was surprised. I saw words on the wall, and I got to read them to my mom. I saw some toys, too. Like trains…those are my favorite. I also saw toys for building. One of the boys was playing Starfall on the computer. I love Starfall!
My mom and I walked around the classroom. I held her hand. My hands felt funny, so I needed to do something with them. With one hand I held my mom’s and the other I put into a fist and touched my nails with my fingers. It helped me feel better.
When we left kindergarten we looked at the playground. There were numbers and letters on the ground. Also, there were bikes…six of them. Outside of the classroom were all the kids’ backpacks. I saw a Thomas backpack and it was big. My mom said that when I go to kindergarten, I will get a big backpack too. I don’t know which kind I will choose.
After our visit, my mom said she was proud of me, because I went to kindergarten, even though I was scared. I told her I wasn’t scared, just worried. I worry mostly about the other kids. They don’t know me. They don’t know that they talk too loud or get too close. They don’t know that I need time. I need time to get used to who they are before I can talk to them.
I worry about what the classroom will look, smell and sound like, too. Now, I know a little bit about those things.
I know I will come back to visit you again, kindergarten. Thanks for letting me come today with my mom.
Love,
O








Comments
Bek
And so it begins again – the gradual transition to kindergarten for all our kids who need extra time to get adjusted. It is an annual rite of passage for the new Kinders and their parents. Reading this makes me reflect on our process of visiting and meeting the teacher 4 months before he would begin his Kinder experience. She was wonderful, welcoming, and reduced his anxiety tremendously with just one visit. Best of luck to all the kiddos and their parents who will go through this passage in 2013!
Sybil
I am learning with every new transition how much more it takes to prepare him that it did his sisters. With such a supportive staff, it will be so much easier.
Heather F.
Jenny from the block
Aw, sounds like it went well. Love your letters to k.
Sybil
Thanks, Jenny. I was pleased with the first visit. Hoping to make him as comfortable as possible before I have to leave him that first day.