How was your child's very first day of preschool or kindergarten?

Question

I see it from the other side; the teacher's side.... I want to hear your side of the story, the parents' side, what did he tell you about his first day? did he remember the name or the looks of his teacher? what did he say about her? was he crying? was he scared before going or once he got there? from your point of view what could the teacher have done to make him feel better ? and if he was happy with it what do you think she did that he liked so much?

each child is different that's why I'll appreciate all answers :)

Answer 1

My daughter handled it TOO well, I cried and she was like "SEE-YA!" lol! When we picked her up, she got in her car seat, I said "so how was ur first day of school", she said "exhausting" and was asleep in the car less than 60 seconds later-lol! That was last year, interesting to see the reaction of my next one starting Kindergarten and hers going into first.

Answer 2

Don't ask questions like this, you're just encouraging monster parents ;-)

My mother taught kindergarten for 25 years and every year, there'd be one kid that cried every single day until Christmas. The parents would blame her - and then start asking their kids questions like, "What did Mrs. Teacher say to make you so upset?" Then the parent inevitably starts showing up and STAYING in the classroom for hours instead of just dropping their kid off, and the kid keeps crying and going to mommy for help. These are the kids who complain about "feeling sick" in the mornings and asking to stay home and complaining about every teacher they have, every year. Why do they do it? It's not because they go to a horrible school - it's because the parent feeds the behavior.

Each child is different, and if 2% of the kids aren't adjusting well to school, sometimes there's nothing the teacher can do. I've taught preschool, and I've never encountered a child who doesn't eventually adjust - as long as their parents don't linger. Say goodbye to your kid and leave. Your kid will stop crying 10 minutes after you're gone.

I know you wanted the perspective of parents, but I couldn't help but toss in my 2 cents. Kids are more adaptable than parents give them credit for, and usually when young kids complain about school, the parents are putting words in their mouths.

Answer 3

My daughter is going into first grade in September. She went to a Catholic School for Pre-K and Kindergarten. She was very scared on her first day of Pre-K. She didn't want me to leave, but she knew I had to leave. It was also very upsetting for me to see my little baby go to school!!! She did tell me everything she did, all the friends she made, how nice her teacher was, how she loved school, and it made me feel good knowing that she was not upset all day. She was the same way with her first day of Kindergarten. I think that when she starts school this year, it will be a little different because she is going to public school.

Answer 4

I have a yr before I get to experience this! I'm excited but nervous because my son can be very shy!

Answer 5

We LOVED my daughters preschool teacher and I am sad to have to move her up. She was firm and fair and treated every kid as an individual. We loved her from day one. She does come across a little gruff at first but IThink that you have to be to get the resoect of a room full of 3 and 4 year olds. My daughter loved going to school. It was an adventure everyday. The best part for her was learning to play with kids her own age.