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Starting SchoolYoung Children: 5 Year Olds

Introduction

Most children start kindergarten when they’re 5 years old and start Grade 1 when they’re 6 years old. Your child may be eager to learn new things and will likely be excited, nervous or a little of both.

On this page, you’ll learn how to prepare your child for school and how you can support their learning by getting involved.

Planning for a good start at school

Most children start kindergarten when they’re 5 years old and start Grade 1 when they’re 6 years old. Your child may be eager to learn new things and will likely be excited, nervous or a little of both.

Help your child have a good start at school:

  • Take them for health checkups. Up-to-date immunizations and checkups such as medical, dental, vision and hearing will help your child be ready to learn. Some health problems can get in the way of learning and a checkup may find a problem early. Learn more about health checkups.
  • Talk about what to expect at school, like how they’ll get there and what they’ll do in class. Let your child know what you’ll be doing when they’re not with you.
  • Teach them self-care skills such as putting on their jacket and shoes, going to the bathroom on their own, and washing their hands.
  • Take a school tour and meet their teacher and principal. Your child will be able to see the classroom, front office, bathroom, library, gym and playground. Try to remember the names of one or two other children on the tour.
  • Start your new routine a month or so before school starts. Shift slowly to a regular time for getting up, having meals and going to bed.
  • Read books about starting school. This will help your child understand more about what school will be like. You can find these books at the library.
  • Respect your child’s temperament. Children adjust to change in different ways. Your child may adjust to school differently than other children.
  • Be positive with your child about starting school. Share fun memories of teachers you had and things you enjoyed doing at school. Your child will enjoy it more if they know school is important to you.

To learn more about being a partner in your child’s education, what your child will learn in school and ways to prepare your child for school, visit Government of Alberta – My Child’s Learning: A Parent Resource.

Registering for school

Check with the school your child will be attending to find out when and how to register. You can find out details about the program, such as whether it’s half- or full-day.

Helping your child adjust to school

Children sometimes get tired of school once the excitement of starting something new wears off. Your child may come home from school very tired and need some time to relax. Your child might be anxious if they’re not used to being away from you. They might think they’re missing out on things at home.

Here are some ideas that may help:

  • Make sure they get enough sleep. Your child may need extra sleep, especially at first. Learn more about sleeping.
  • Offer healthy meals and snacks.
  • Spend extra time together on days when your child doesn’t have school.
  • Don’t plan too many activities before or after school.

If your child strongly resists going to school or seems to always be complaining about something like a stomach ache or headache, find out more:

  • Ask your child what they think might help.
  • Talk to their teacher for suggestions.
  • Talk to other parents to see if their children have similar problems.
  • Arrange for them to have a checkup with your health care provider.

Young children and overscheduling

Organized activities like child care, preschool and kindergarten need a certain level of attention from children. A young child uses a lot of energy staying focused in school. They need free time once they get home to burn off some physical energy and reconnect with the ones they love. Try not to schedule too many activities and appointments in your child’s free time.

Supporting your child in school

School is an exciting adventure for children. You’ve been your child’s first and most important teacher. When your child starts school, their teachers will also become important people in their life.

Support your child’s learning by showing them that education is important to you:

  • Share your child’s interests, strengths and challenges with their teacher. Ask what you can do to help them at home.
  • Find out the best way to keep in touch with their teacher—by phone, email or sending notes with your child.
  • Take time to talk to your child about their day. Ask them open questions like, “What was the best thing that happened at school today?” or “What did you learn about today?” Be sure to share things about your day too.
  • Show them you value their work by asking them to tell you about it and if it’s okay to hang it on the fridge or the wall so everyone can see it.
  • Encourage them to tell the rest of the family and other important people in your lives about their school activities.
  • Read and share stories with your child every day.
  • Go to school events, learning celebrations and meetings when you can. This will help you find out how things are going for your child and the rest of their class. It also shows your child that you think school is important.
  • Think about volunteering in the classroom or on field trips or joining the school council if you can.

Supporting their learning

Show your child that you think school is worthwhile.

When you support your child’s learning, their teachers and their school, you help them to succeed.

New school health resource

Healthier Together Schools is the Alberta Health Services virtual hub for school health promotion, including resources and tools to build a healthy school.

Find news for educators, resources for families, ideas to boost student wellness, and Alberta Health Services school health programs, training, and supports.