The first day of kindergarten is a joyous milestone for many children and parents. It celebrates the opportunity to grow, learn and explore. It also marks the beginning of your child embarking on a life of emerging independence. While leaving the care of parents or caregivers can present an initial challenge for some, the delight of making friends, expressing creativity, trying new things and doing a whole lot of fun stuff can ease any nervousness.
To help prepare your child for their first day at kindergarten, you’ll need a combination of educator support, routine and enthusiasm to help your child settle into their new world and enjoy learning. Discussing any worries you may have can also be helpful for both grown ups and adults.
What to expect on the first day of Kindergarten
Morning drop-off and settling in
When preparing for kindergarten, the morning drop-off sets the tone for a positive start. As you arrive, you’ll be greeted by our warm, friendly educators who are ready to help your little one feel safe and welcome. We aim to keep the drop-off process simple and reassuring.
Structured snack, lunchtime, and play breaks
Children eat and interact together in a relaxed environment during meal breaks. Typically, each day may include set times for morning tea, lunch, and afternoon snacks, with plenty of play and learning in between. How to prepare for kindergarten group meal breaks includes encouraging your child to practice opening lunchboxes, unwrapping snacks, and using drink bottles independently.
End-of-day pickup and routine
Establishing a consistent pickup routine helps children feel secure and know what to expect, giving them a sense of reliability and closure to their day. When talking to your child about their day, try asking open-ended questions like, “Who did you play with today?” or “What did you learn today?”.
Typical Kindergarten classroom activities
Circle time and storytime
Circle time and story time are times for connection. Children develop listening and social skills by sitting together as a group to share news, sing songs, or listen to stories. These sessions help children practice taking turns, paying attention, and respecting others’ voices.Hands-on learning and play-based activities
When children engage in play, whether it’s building with blocks, exploring different materials, or role-playing scenarios, they learn to think critically and develop creative solutions. This kind of learning allows them to experiment, make mistakes, and try again. These experiences lay the foundation for more complex problem-solving and creative thinking as they grow.
Independent and group work
By participating in both independent and group activities, children learn the ability to be self-sufficient when needed, and the importance of collaboration in a group setting. This combination is an essential part of their overall development, equipping them to succeed both as individuals and as part of a team.
How to mentally prepare your child for Kindergarten
Practise saying goodbye
Prepare your child for their first day of kindergarten by establishing a special gesture, like a hug, wave, or a saying to signal that it’s time for you to go.
Reassure your child in the days leading up to kindergarten that you’ll be back to pick them up and remind them of the fun things they will get to do during the day.
Building excitement for Kindergarten
Encourage enthusiasm when preparing for kindergarten by focusing on the fun aspects. Talk about the new friends your child will play with, and the fun activities they’ll get to try.
Practise following simple instructions
Practising basic instructions at home helps children build the skills they need to follow directions in class. Practicing simple instructions like “Please put your books away” or “Can you pass me that spoon?” teach them to listen attentively, process information, and respond appropriately ready for their first day at kindergarten.
Practical steps to help your child get ready for Kindergarten
Practice daily routines at home
On kindergarten days, it’s a great idea to establish a morning and evening routine to make the first days smoother. Consistency helps provide markers and reassurance for your child and sets their expectations..
In the mornings, keep things calm and steady with a regular wake-up time, breakfast, and a cheerful chat about the day’s plans. Involving your child in daily tasks, like packing their bag or choosing their outfit, can give them a sense of independence and control, easing any nerves.
In the evenings, a predictable routine—like dinner, bath, and a calming bedtime story—helps children wind down and prepare for a restful sleep after a stimulating day. It may even be beneficial to discuss their experience for the day.
Preparing a Kindergarten-ready backpack
In your child’s backpack for the first day of kindergarten, you should include:
- A sun hat
- A change of clothes
- A change of underwear in case of accidents
- A jacket or jumper in case of weather changes
- A water bottle
- Healthy lunch and snacks
Ensure everything including the bag itself is labelled with your child’s name.
Teach basic hygiene skills
Teaching your child good hygiene, like proper handwashing and using tissues, is a great way to help keep everyone healthy. Encouraging good habits like making sure they can wash their hands with soap and reminding them to cover sneezes and coughs with a tissue or their elbow can make a big difference in a group setting.
Social skills your child will need for Kindergarten
Practicing sharing and taking turns
Teaching your child to share and take turns is a fun way to prepare for kindergarten. Playing games at home that involve waiting for their turn, and encouraging sharing within playtime together can help your child feel more at ease in a larger group.
Respecting personal space and boundaries
In a kindergarten setting, respecting each other’s space helps create a positive, safe environment where all children can feel comfortable and valued. Parents can model this by teaching their child to be aware of others’ personal space.
Making friends and introducing themselves
A simple way you can help encourage your child to make new friends in kindergarten is by practising introducing themselves. Role-play scenarios at home where your child gets the opportunity to ask someone’s name, tell a friend their own name or invite a friend to join them in play or activity.
How to emotionally support your child on the first day of Kindergarten
Reinforce positive feelings about Kindergarten
Being genuinely enthusiastic prior to drop off on the first day of kindergarten is a wonderful way to reinforce positive feelings.
Reassure them that it’s okay to feel nervous
Phrases like “I understand you’re feeling nervous, it’s okay to feel like that” help children feel heard and supported. In addition to this, encouraging your child to discuss any worries or concerns they have with you can help alleviate their nerves. You may like to also offer reassurance by saying something positive like, “School is such an exciting place where you’ll make new friends and do lots of fun activities”.
Create a goodbye ritual for drop-off
When it’s time for drop-off, you can reassure your child by using simple, clear language. Reiterate that you’ll be back to pick them up at the end of the session. Rather than giving them a specified time, it can be helpful to provide a reference point for pick up such as “I’ll pick you up after your afternoon tea.” Your child’s educators will also be on hand to provide support to help ease any nerves and ensure your child can settle nicely into their fun day ahead.
Ready to make your child’s first day of Kindergarten a success?
Set your child up for success as they take their first big step into kindergarten. By applying these tips, you’ll help them feel confident, independent, and ready to learn, grow and thrive. Explore our resources on kindergarten readiness for more expert guidance on how to prepare for the first day of kindergarten.
FAQ s
What should we pack for the first day of kindergarten?
- Sun hat: For outdoor play, ensure you pack a sun hat with your child’s name on it.
- Snacks: Pack healthy, easy-to-eat snacks, such as fruit slices or crackers.
- Lunch: A nutritious lunch including some of your child’s favourite foods
- Water bottle: Ensure your child has a spill-proof water bottle with their name on it to stay hydrated throughout the day.
- Extra clothes: Include a full change of clothes—top, bottom, socks, and underwear—in case of spills or accidents.
What should my child wear on their first day of kindergarten?
Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing is important for kindergarten and clothing that children can easily manage themselves if they need to use the toilet for example. Also, bear in mind the clothing is likely to be subject to outdoor activities and experiences such as painting, water play, climbing, jumping and running. Footwear should include secure, closed-toe options like boots, sneakers or closed-toe sandals.
What if my child cries during drop-off?
It’s normal for children to experience some separation anxiety at drop-off, especially on the first day at kindergarten. The best approach is to maintain a calm and positive attitude yourself, offering a brief and reassuring goodbye. Let your child know that you will be back to pick them up and trust the educators to provide comfort and support during the transition. Most children will settle in after a few minutes of reassurance.
Should I pack extra clothes for the first day?
Yes, packing extra clothes is strongly recommended. Accidents, spills, or muddy play can happen, and having a spare set of clothes, including socks and underwear, will help ensure your child is comfortable throughout the day.
