If they’re staying full-time then a packed lunch is a good idea. Overall, a small snack for break, a bottle of water and perhaps a couple of pencils are the essentials. Children of this age won’t be expected to bring much though and if there was anything specific to be brought in, you’d have been notified.

Unless the kindergarten teacher has sent a letter to you or your child prior to the beginning of school, I would recommend that your child take only a bookbag to school on the first day. If your child attends a full day of kindergarten, of course you will need to supply his lunch or give him lunch money. If the teacher needs any supplies, they should send home a note with your child the first week of school requesting the supplies. Many times parents send too many unnecessary supplies. The children want to use their new supplies and are not listening to the teacher who is explaining new routines and activities.

a big grin and a zest for life