Return to Blog

Starting Strong: A Guide to a Successful First Year in Kindergarten at Insight School of Washington 

Guidance & Support

Entering Kindergarten marks the beginning of a new chapter in your child’s education, and at Insight School of Washington, we know how important it is to build strong foundations during this year. As you navigate through this exciting new chapter in your Kindergarteners life, our goal is to provide you with resources and support to ensure you and your child have a seamless first-year experience. 

Getting Comfortable with School Devices 

For many Kindergarteners, using a laptop may be a completely new experience. To help your child feel more comfortable, practicing basic navigation and familiarizing them with the laptop beforehand can make class time much smoother and less overwhelming. If you are having trouble doing so, using our setup guide may assist you and enable you to help your child. 

Creating a Well-Organized Learning Space and Routine 

Creating a well-organized workspace is essential for keeping your kindergartener focused and engaged in their schoolwork. According to a study by the U.S. Department of Education, having a dedicated area free from distractions can increase student satisfaction and engagement by up to 50% in online learning environments. This doesn’t have to be an entire room; it can be something as simple as a desk with labeled classroom materials and books. 

Establishing Consistent Routines 

Establishing a routine is essential for success in Kindergarten. Developing consistent habits early on sets your child up for a smooth school year and also lays a strong foundation for their future learning habits. Going over the class schedule each morning, and setting up time for homework are just a couple of ways to help build these fundamentals. 

Partnering with Your Child’s Teacher 

Building a strong partnership with your child’s teachers is key to a successful Kindergarten year. As one of our own teachers, Mrs. Sofich, explains, “When families are as invested as the educators, students flourish.” This doesn’t mean parents need to do the teaching, but simply ensuring that your kindergartener is attending classes and completing their work can make all the difference. She also shared that something as simple as parents repeating the questions makes a big difference in how much the student engages in class. 

Communicating with your Child 

Regularly communicating with your kindergartener can make a big impact on their school experience. By asking questions about how they feel about their classes, what they learned, their favorite moments, and any challenges they may be facing, you gain insights into how they feel about their education. These insights can then be passed on to the teacher to help in areas the student is struggling in and ensure they are getting the help they need. 

Ready to set your child up for a successful first year in Kindergarten? Explore more resources and support for elementary school academics at Insight School of Washington by visiting our Elementary School Academics page. Together, we can help your child thrive in their educational journey!