Must Have's for Kids Starting Kindergarten

September is rearing its ugly head which means the first day of school for a lot of our little ones’s.  Many parents don’t know where to begin when it comes to getting our kids ready for their first day of kindergarten.  We posed the question to our “experienced” moms and came up with a great list to get you started!

1)  Full size backpack – whether it is a Princess, Spiderman or Roots bag, it needs to be big enough to carry a full sized library book, lunch box and change of clothes.

2) Lunch box – Most schools are litter less now so make sure the pack you choose can hold a thermos drink, and enough containers for 1 or 2 snacks along with a meal depending if your child is in half or full day school. Some of the places our mamas were checking out included: Fenigo Go Green lunchboxes and PlanetBox - Rover for kids that require a large variety.

3) Change of clothes – Even the most well behaved, potty trained child can have an accident or have a splashing good time at the sensory tables that may require a change. Always keep a spare pair of underwear, pants, top and socks in their bag just in case.

4) Labels – Most kids like the same things so it is very possible there will be duplicate bags, shoes, etc in the class.  Label all your child’s items to be sure they come home with their own items.  It is also a good idea to label their clothes, especially if they go to a uniform school.  All the clothing is the same so it easy to go home with the wrong cardigan or vest. momstown mamas love the customized Mabel's labels and enjoy the discount as well!

5)Indoor shoes – Most schools require your child to have a pair of shoes only to be worn in class.  They will allow you to keep them in your child’s cubby, which is another good reason for labeling.

6)  Kleenex – Our little one’s are not known to ask anyone for Kleenex when their nose is runny but if you keep a small package in their backpack, they MAY be more likely to use a tissue instead of their sleeves.

7)  Medic Alert bracelets – If your child has an allergy (or other medical condition), consider getting them a medic alert bracelet.  Even though the child’s files state if they have an allergy or medical condition, why not have something readily available if there should happen to be a supply teacher or volunteer with them when a symptom appears.

Are there any other items you can think of? 

I know our mommies and daddies would appreciate any advice.

 

 

 

 

 

 

This Blog was written by Angela Hickman - mother of 2, momstown Milton member and blogger - Mommy TimeOut.

Eye See...Eye Learn® Program offers Free Glasses to Junior Kindergarten Students

Starting preschool or kindergarten can be a very exciting time in a child's life. There is so much to see and do! But imagine not being able to properly see stories that are being read or words or letters on a page? The Eye See...Eye Learn® program wants to make sure that all parents are aware of what their program offers so that no child will experience difficulty learning due to vision problems.

The Eye See...Eye Learn® program provides comprehensive eye exams by local optometrists (or eye doctors) to junior kindergarten students in participating school regions. The eye exams are covered under provincial health insurance (or OHIP) when you show your child’s health card. This means that there is no out-of-pocket cost for the eye exam. If the child requires a pair of glasses, they will receive them FREE of charge courtesy of our participating sponsors.

The Eye See...Eye Learn® program was developed to raise awareness among parents of the importance of having their children's eyes checked upon starting school. Children, who cannot see the board, focus on a picture or follow words in a book may struggle to achieve their full learning potential. Vision problems can also impact their hand-eye coordination for physical activities and even impact their social development. In fact, 80 percent of learning comes directly through vision.

A few facts...

-Each year, fewer than 10 per cent of children have an eye exam before entering school, despite the fact that 25 per cent of all children have a vision problem significant enough to impair their ability to learn. Eye exams can also detect asymptomatic, but potentially life-threatening, eye conditions.
-Five to 10 per cent of preschool children have an undetected vision problem
-Approximately 60 per cent of children with literacy problems have an undiagnosed vision problem
-80 per cent of all learning is visual, so children who cannot see the board or focus on a picture or follow words in a book may struggle to achieve their full learning potential
-Vision problems can impact a child’s hand-eye coordination for physical activities and even their social development

To ensure Ontarians understand the importance of comprehensive eye examinations for children, the Ontario Association of Optometrists (OAO) has launched a video called Sarah’s Story and expanded the Eye See…Eye Learn® program. Please make sure your children’s eyes are examined by a Doctor of Optometry before they begin kindergarten.

Click here to find a list of participating optometrists in your area. Here in Milton I would highly recommend  Dr. Vrkljan AKA Dr. Phill from Milton Optometry. He was fabulous with my 3yr old son when completing his first eye exam.