In a few short weeks schools will open their doors to a brand new school year. Through those doors will walk millions of brand new kindergartners. Each one filled with expectations, enthusiasm, and maybe a bit of fear.
In the past we’ve shared what kindergarten teachers want parents to know as they get ready to send their little ones off to those first days of kindergarten. But there’s another side to that story, and many of you know it well.
This year I’m feeling it. All of those emotions. The mixture of excitement sprinkled with worry and a tinge of sadness. This year my first child will be one of those millions of kindergartners skipping down the school halls, and there are a few things I would like her kindergarten teacher to know.
If you’ve ever sent a child off to kindergarten or will be soon, I bet you can relate.
What I Want My Child’s Future Kindergarten Teacher to Know
Dear Kindergarten Teacher,
I have been thinking about you all summer.
You see, we are about to send our “baby” to you this fall. I know you have been busy planning and preparing for this upcoming school year.
You have probably laminated and cut out hundreds of cute bulletin board themes and center activities, rehearsed some new and engaging songs for learning, and thought about how you can meet the needs of all of your new little ones.
You care deeply.
I’ve been there on your side of the classroom before and know that you will spend countless days and nights thinking about your students.
I’m nervous this time around. Probably more nervous than your new student.
She’s ready—beaming with wonder and excitement at any mention of the word kindergarten. We’ve read our share of books about starting kindergarten, and we’ve talked and talked about what to expect. She thinks she’s a big girl now and is ready to step out and conquer this new thing called school.
We’ve done preschool and it was wonderful.
But this is elementary school.
Big kid school.
The kind where she is the littlest one on campus, surrounded by a new environment, new peers, and a full day of new experiences. I can’t wait for her to have them!
But there is something that you should know. She is my first baby and I’m new to this.
I ask that you truly get to know her. She’s fragile, yet strong-willed! She’s a lover, and also a sponge.
Take care of her.
Encourage her.
Challenge her.
Inspire her.
I’ll be there for conferences, volunteer days, and field trips as much as I can. I will support you at home and follow through to ensure that this year is a success.
But I know I will miss out on many things—soothing her “boo-boos” on the playground, guiding her through conflicts with new friends, and witnessing some of her successes. Someone else gets to do that now. Someone else gets to be her cheerleader, teacher, and friend…
I’m so glad that it’s you. You will be the first of many to shape her heart and mind. And I pray that this is just the beginning of a lifetime love for learning.
So at Meet the Teacher, you might be able to recognize me because I will be quietly observing my little girl’s new world. A place where she’ll spend six and a half hours of her day exploring and learning more about herself and the world around her.
I’ll look confident and reassuring, so that my little one doesn’t sense my own emotions.
But quite frankly, I may be the one who needs a hug!
Sincerely,
Her Mommy
More Back to School Resources for Parents
Books About Starting Kindergarten
What to Ask During Meet the Teacher
Back to School Tips from a Kindergarten Teacher
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