While starting kindergarten is a momentous occasion, putting too much emphasis on it may add to your child’s anxiety. Talk positively about school and what to expect, but don’t overdo it. Talking about school in a casual, matter-of-fact manner may help your child accept it as a more natural occurrence, and not something that she needs to fret over.
Help your child get familiar with the school by visiting. Show your child the classroom and have the teacher point out different areas where activities will take place. Wander the hallways and check out the bathroom. Take her to all the different areas of the building where she might be visiting. Play on the playground. If you can, visit while school is in session so she is not surprised by all the activity and commotion.
Telling your child what to expect will also help her feel familiar with school. For example, tell her there will be time for play and then there might be a time where all the kids sit together in a circle to talk or sing. Let her know what different types of activities she might expect, such as art projects, recess and snack time. You can also talk to her about making new friends. Tell her what to say to introduce herself and help her think of questions to ask new friends.
If you know other children who will be attending the school, you could set up a play date for your child. This way your child will already have a familiar face on the first day of school. Psychology lecturer John Malouff of the University of New England suggests that if a shy child has even just one friend in a new setting, she will feel more comfortable.