Taking Home to School

Many children will have had preschool and daycare experiences and will be comfortable leaving home each day for school. Others may initially find the separation from home and parents more traumatic. All young children benefit from having some way to connect home and school during the school day:

• Give your child a picture of your family (including pets!) to keep in or tape on to his or her desk or cubby.
• Give your child a special item as a reminder of home and family (a rock or shell from a family vacation, a small piece of jewelry, a small photo) that can be kept in a backpack or desk at school.
• Put surprise items in your child's bag or backpack-a simple note, sticker, etc., just some small reminder that you are thinking of him or her during the day.
• Reinforce the home-school connection by establishing good communication with your child's teacher from the first day. Let teachers know that you are available to discuss your child's progress and activities, and most important, that you want to know what you can do to help your child succeed. If you have time to volunteer, offer to help with field trips, supervising group activities, or just providing an extra pair of hands in the classroom now and then.

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