Letters to Kindergarten: Who are You?

When I let myself think about O starting kindergarten, I am terrified. It overwhelms me to think of all the hurdles he will encounter. If it were any other child, one of my students instead of my own son, I would have a list of solutions to possible problems already. But, lately, I just can't get past the fear.

So, in a effort to make this logical rather than emotional, I decided try a strategy that I use when making goals and plans for my students...think about things from their perspective. What are they thinking? How would they react and why?

So, I started thinking about what O would say, if he had the chance, to kindergarten. And, this series was born. This is the first of many letters I will write to kindergarten, from O's perspective. To ask questions. To discover solutions.

Dear Kindergarten,
My mom keeps telling me that I will be going to see you after I am five. When we go to my sisters' school, mom points to a playground and tells me, "that's kindergarten." I say, "I don't want to go to kindergarten."

Everyone in my family seems so excited for me to go to kindergarten. They tell me about the things I will do. It sounds like too much.

I know that I will learn about letters and numbers in kindergarten. I like those. I already know the letters and can make words with them. Some of my favorite words are...trains, cars, Thomas. Do you like those words? What if I don't like the words you teach me?

I have also been told that I can bring my own snack to school. That makes me happy. Maybe I will bring goldfish or angry bird graham crackers. Will there be people that give me food to try in kindergarten? I hope not. That's too hard.

My sister tells me there will be lots of new friends in kindergarten. But, I already have friends, at MY school. And, I know that "lots" is too many. I don't like having too many friends. Plus, I don't know these new friends. Will they sit too close to me? What will they smell like? Will they ask me lots of questions? Will they be loud?

I know I will have a new teacher in kindergarten. I like MY teacher. Her name is Miss Katie. When she is gone, I don't like it. It is hard to meet new teachers. Sometimes they want me to talk or sing or eat things I don't want to eat. I want my mom to tell my new teacher all the things I don't like and all the things that are too hard. I hope she does. I will tell her lots of times, just to make sure.

Kindergarten, do you have circle time or centers? What about computers? I really like those. What color carpets do you have? Will there be a special square for me? Red and blue are my favorite colors. Maybe, you will have a red or blue square for me. I know you have recess. I saw the playground. Will I have to go on the slide? Because, the slide is too hard for me. Do you have bikes? I like those.

You can see, I have a lot of questions. I want to know who you are, kindergarten.

From,
O


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