The first day of school can cause a lot of anxiety for students and parents. While kids may worry about friends, missing their families or academics, don’t let the school bus be another source of fear. The bus is a child’s first interaction with school each day, so it’s important parents help their first-time riders get off to a happy beginning. Helping those new Kindergartners love riding the bus is key!
More than 26 million students are transported via school bus each day. This means your child will be in good company come the first day of school. And, according to the Department of Transportation, the school bus is the safest way to get students to and from school each day, helping to calm some of the fears you may have as a parent.
Just like schools offer orientation to acquaint students with the new school, taking time to familiarize your student with the bus goes a long way reducing those back to school jitters.
Here are 7 things parents can do to Help Kindergartners Love Riding the Bus:
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- Read About the Bus. There are lots of great children’s books about buses — read them together to allow your child to “experience” riding a school bus from the comfort of home.
- Explore a Bus. School orientation events often offer kindergartners riding the bus for the first time a chance to check out the bus and go for a short ride around the community.
- Visit the Bus Stop. Before school starts, drive past your child’s bus stop and review how pick up and drop off works. Reassure your child that you or a caregiver will be by their side.
- Test the Memory. Many kids fear that they’ll never be able to find their bus without mom or dad. Help your child remember his or her bus number and write it down in case he or she forgets.
- Review Safe Behavior. Each child contributes to a safe school bus environment. Teach them the basics such as using the handrail, remaining seated and speaking with an inside voice. A great video to watch is Safety Dog’s tips for safe school bus behavior below!
- Introduce Your Child. A quick hello will help your bus driver learn your child’s name and help your child recognize the driver in the bus line.
- Show YOUR Excitement! Children take cues from their parents – celebrate your child’s first bus ride with big hugs, high fives and lots of pictures!
Familiarizing your child with the school bus can help ensure he or she enjoys and is safe on the school bus the entire year. Sharing in their excitement will only make the experience even more enjoyable.
About First Student
Sandra Rowe, who wrote this piece, is a location manager in Exeter for First Student. As the leading school transportation solutions provider in North America, First Student completes five million student journeys each day. They move more passengers than all U.S. airlines combined. Sandra encourages readers to explore the Parent Resources available on First Student’s website.
