Kindergarten Orientation

Chloe begins kindergarten in September. Our school district has the incoming kindergartners come to an orientation in May/June. Today, Chloe's elementary school held its kindergarten orientation. The children come to the school at pre-set times in groups of 10 kids. They are escorted in to one of the kindergarten classroom's, make nametags, meet the two kindergarten teachers, color a picture and then have story time. The parent's go on a tour of the school with the principal.

Chloe was very nervous going into the school, especially when she saw all the bigger kids. She asked me, "This is my school? These kids are too big!". I reassured her that it was her elementary school and explained that she would be going to a bigger school with kids 5 years to 12 years old. She got very quiet and held my hand tightly.

I walked her to the kindergarten rooms and there, coming out of their orientation was Chloe's pals, triplets and two other friends from pre-school. Chloe came out of her shell for a few minutes until she realized that her pals were leaving. I walked her into the kindergarten classroom and she squeezed my hand tighter. One of the teacher's approached her and asked her name to which Chloe replied in the most faint voice I have ever heard. She then spelled it for the teacher in the same quiet voice, all the while holding my hand. I didn't want to leave her and thought I might break out in tears.

I think the principal, who witnessed all of this thought I might snatch Chloe and make a run for it. She touched my arm and said, "Lets go on a tour mom!". I was swept up and taken on the tour with a few other parents.

The entire process took about 15 minutes total. When we returned to the classroom, Chloe ran to me and said, "Lets leave here and go to the playground!" I am glad she set the tone that she is a real academic! Unfortunately we couldn't visit the school playground as a class was at recess when we left.

I walked Chloe outside and asked her what she thought about kindergarten. "I'm not used to it yet," she said. I assured her she would get used to it. I then asked her if she liked the teachers and Chloe said, "only one of them I liked". It was the teacher who asked her name and made her nametag. I told her I am sure she will like both teachers and that she will get used to them.

I can't believe she is starting kindergarten. As my friend and neighbor told me today, I better wear dark sunglasses on the first day of school. I am going to need them.