The Invisible Toolbox. Kim Jocelyn Dickson

Kindergarten and the Invisible Toolbox Discovering the Tools Inside

      The first day of kindergarten may be one of the most emotional days in the life of a parent. Even if a child has had preschool experience, day one of kindergarten is different because it represents a child’s first real launch into the wider world of school and life beyond you. It is a day marked with the ritual of new clothes, new shoes, a new lunchbox, and a first-day-of-school picture.

      My son’s kindergarten picture was taken at the front door of our house. Today I look at this photo of him—with his brand-spanking-new clothes and sneakers, Winnie-the-Pooh lunchbox in hand, a bright, expectant smile on his face, and one foot raised, as if poised to take a step forward—and still get a lump in my throat. I also remember my underlying anxiety that day: Is he ready? Will his teacher be kind? Will he make friends?

      As parents, we know this is a significant day and for good reason. The launch of our child’s school career that will span thirteen years has arrived, and all of the hopes, dreams, and expectations that we have for our child are wrapped up in it. As we watch them walk away from us, up the path to the kindergarten gate to their welcoming teacher, we pray that they are ready, that the experience will be wonderful, and that this day will be the first of a long and successful school career. I would venture to say that all well-meaning parents share this hope—yet there is something else in the picture of which we may not be aware. A child walks through the kindergarten gate with a lunchbox in one hand and an Invisible Toolbox in the other, and in that Toolbox there are resources that will affect their success or failure in school for years to come. By reading to your child from birth, you can ensure your child will be well equipped with these essential tools.