5 must-haves kindergarten starter pack!

School has officially started, and for those with COVID babies, we have entered kindergarten! If you’re anything like me, you’ve been a complete mess trying to ensure your kid has enough independence and tools to master the first days! Here are some of the ways I’m ensuring he is ready to go.

Elliott walking in all by himself on the first day of school (this was a big deal for us as we experienced confidence issues in pre-school).

1 Noise-cancelling headphones

Let’s face it, school is stressful, and our kids are going to have to manage sensory sensitivities without us. A great place to start is getting them some noise-cancelling headphones to help reduce stress and create a calmer environment to help them focus.

Here’s some options we found online:

Amazon has limitless options for an affordable price. Take a look here!

2 Layers they can put on themseLVEs

We’re not there to help them tie their shoes or take off and put on layers when the weather changes. Set them up for success with clothing that’s easy for them.

We love Kizik shoes: Hands-free, slip-on shoes for the whole family!

3 Ask about seating options

It’s 2025, and hard chairs are not the only option anymore in the classroom. If seating options aren’t available in your child’s classroom, ask the teacher or administration what’s available.

We love wobble cushions in particular.

Lakeshore learning sells these awesome Flex-Space Wobble Cushions

4 Visual schedules

This one probably deserves its own post, but we’re putting it in the lineup. Making your child’s schedule visual is a great way to help reduce anxiety! Visual schedules can help reduce any stress and anxiety (especially in the first few weeks), helping to create a calm and more predictable environment for your little one that ultimately will lead to a more focused environment.

No need to spend a bunch of money on these, you can find some great printable ones on Etsy like this one we found here.

5 color-coded folders

Ok, this one might be a wildcare, but head us out. Color-coded folders and binders naturally help your child with organization, memory, and completing tasks. It can also help to encourage independence for students who might have ADHD or dyslexia. Color-coding also helps kids quickly locate what they need, leading to better management of tasks and schoolwork and less overwhelm!

Pick a stack up at Target, it’s only $0.50 each!