Kindergarten News
Greenwood Laboratory School
July 6, 2023
Summer Greetings!
Stay informed about all things GREENWOOD by downloading the Greenwood app! Also, bookmark our school web site and follow us on social media.
If you have questions or concerns about anything, do not hesitate to email me. I do not check my email as frequently over the summer so it may take me a little longer to reply. I look forward to seeing you soon!
Picture & Name
I need a "headshot" of each student for some things I am creating for the classroom! It does not need to be a professional photo... just a picture of your child's face, with a somewhat blank background (see example). A picture taken with your phone is fine! Please email your child's headshot to me at AbbyLowe@missouristate.edu with your child's name as the subject. I look forward to seeing their smiling faces!
If your child goes by a different name or nickname, please let me know so I can label all of their things correctly (for example, if your child's name is Katherine but they go by Kate).
School Supplies
Below you will also find the link for my Amazon Wish List for our classroom. Please do not feel obligated to purchase anything from the wish list! I know this time of year is expensive for families already.
Looking for Greenwood Spirit wear? Click on the Bluejay below!
Back-to-School Dates
Wednesday, August 16th 6:00 p.m.
The meeting will start in the event center (new gym) with a welcome message from Dr. Snodgrass and the Greenwood Parent Association. Then you will proceed to the kindergarten classroom for a grade-level meeting. We will go over important information about classroom and school procedures, what to expect on the first day, etc. You will also receive our class handbook and have an opportunity to ask questions. Please note that all grade level meetings will occur at the same time, so if you have more than one child, you may need to "divide and conquer." This is for parents only, so please make childcare arrangements for your children.
Meet the Teacher
Thursday, August 17th 8:00-9:30 a.m. (Come & Go)
Come see our classroom and sort/drop off your school supplies! Please bring your child with you! Even if your child attended camp, being in the classroom can help relieve anxiety about the first day. I also have some special surprises for your child and I'll take pictures, etc.
First Day of School
Monday, August 21st
School starts at 8:10. We will go over procedures for dropping off at the parent meeting. Kindergarten parents are invited to the cafeteria for a breakfast after you drop your child off... more details to come!
Popsicles in the Park
Sequiota Park (3500 S. Lone Pine)
Monday, August 14th
5:00-6:00 p.m.
Tips for a Smooth Transition
In my experience, the better prepared children are socially and emotionally, the better the start of kindergarten will be for them! Skip the flashcards and workbooks and work with your child on the following:
- How to open containers (i.e., the items you'll put in their lunchbox)
- How to put on a jacket so that the sleeves don't get pulled through, and how to fix their jacket if they do get pulled through
- How to zip/button/snap their pants
- How to go to the bathroom with the stall door closed
- How to pump soap and properly wash their hands
- How to turn on and off the sink and dry their hands with paper towels
- How to blow their nose
- How to wait & take turns
- How to share & compromise
- How to "lose" when playing a game
- How to listen and follow two-step directions ("First, put on your shoes. Then, go brush your teeth.")
- Make them ask a question! Don't allow them to say, "I'm thirsty" and then hand them a glass of water. This makes you the problem-solver, and it's important for your child to think of a way to solve their own problems. Teach them to ask for what they need... "Can I have a glass of water please?"
- Make them wait for something they want/need. Do not give them what they want exactly when they want it. If they ask for something, say, "I'm fixing dinner right now. I'll get you some water in a few minutes."
Click here for some more tips for a smooth transition! The best thing you can do is provide your child with lots of love, consistency, and encouragement. Give it time. Assure your child that once we get through the "hard part" at the beginning, the real fun of learning can begin!