Those first few weeks are EXHAUSTING aren’t they? Each year I get a little better at preparing for those beginning days. I’m hoping I can help you, too. I have an editable back to school parent guide for you.

My first grade team does an hour-long Parent Information/Back-to-School Night during the week BEFORE school starts. Our Kinder and TK teams do this as well. Things are just so different for this age group than it is for 2-6 – so we need 1. the extra time, and 2. to nip things before school even begins.

Here are a few things that are different about 1st grade than their Kinder experience and super important for them to know before the 1st day:

There are always two teachers on duty for recess, but not always your child’s teacher.

Please send a little snack with your kiddo, but make it small because they are quickly eating while standing near the trash can on the grass and then NEED TO PLAY. They have less than 15 minutes for recess. Don’t send a 3-course meal.

We have noon duty aides that watch the children during lunch – both the kiddos and teachers have the same 35 minute lunch time.

 

Try to be early to pick up your child…in the correct location. The kids freak out a little with all the end of the day commotion. First grade kiddos enter and exit campus at the same place and time as those big kids.

Of course, we also discuss common core, our academic, homework and behavior expectations. In an effort to help simplify the HUGE amount of information, each parent will receive a copy of our parent guide.

PARENT INFORMATION GUIDE

I am a firm believer the more info you give your students’ parents, the better.

We all want to be “informed”. Parents are no different. All this info serves as answer to many of their questions, a quick reference when they are unsure, AND a reminder that first grade is demanding!

We do our best to include as much detail about the key things without being too overwhelming.

Most importantly, throughout the evening we remind parents that 1st grade is a joint effort and we need and appreciate their support.

This resource includes several color options – including ink saving black and white. This is an editable file. I’ve included my guide so you can see exactly what I include.

The content areas are all editable on this parent guide, the headers/titles are not.

1st DAY GUIDE AND LETTER

Another thing we do is send out a 1st Day Guide letter to our 1st grade parents. It accompanies that big packet of forms they pick up before school begins (either at Meet Your Teacher morning or Back to School Night).