Worried about 5 year old son's first day of kindergarten...?

Question

My son will be starting kindergarten the day after labor day. I am not worried about the school day, but more the lunchtime. He has been in preschool since he was 3, (speech therapy special ed program, he has a speech delay) and since there were only about 5 kids in his class, lunch was brought to him and there weren't any choices. If I do allow him to buy lunch, Im concerned because of his delay, he will not know what to do or maybe not be understood by the lunch providers. Are there in aides in the lunch room assisting the 5 year olds? Should I pack him a lunch or make him buy?

The reason he was in a special ed school was only for his speech therapy which he was getting 5 days a week for 4 hours a day. Academically, he is where he is supposed to be. He had an evaluation last June which determined that he is able to attend a regular kindergarten, in which he will be pulled out from class for speech therapy twice a week. So I don't (as well as the school's evaluators) believe he should attend an all special ed school.

Answer 1

As long as the teacher and the school is informed about his speech problem there will be someone there to assistant in buying his lunch. At my son's school there is always a teacher in the lunch line to help the children. Find out what the school can do for your son when it comes to him buying lunch.

Answer 2

I'm sorry your so worried, I found with my kids they can sense my vibes, so try to change it around. Make plans for after school, something he'll real;y like to do, so if school is hard for him he has something to look forward too. Also, talk to his teacher before the school year starts, tell him/her your worries, seems like most teachers really appreciate parent involvement. 5 year olds are generally too self involved to think too much about differences in there peers. It all about them, which it should be , so I highly doubt any teasing will go on. Let him buy lunch, the first day is for all the mishaps, he'll be a pro in no time. It would really suck, to mess up, in the lunch line after all the other have the hang of it.
And yes I think all schools have lunch and recess aids

Answer 3

It might be best to just pack his lunch in the beginning. It will be a lot for him to take in (it is for ALL kindergarteners!). It'll just make it easier on him and then you won't have to worry. Lots of kids pack a lunch so it's not like he'll be the only one. If you do want him to buy a lunch you could always talk to his teacher. I'm sure she'd be willing to help him or else get an aid too. Don't stress too much, I promise he'll be fine. :)

Answer 4

I think for now the best thing to do would be to pack him a lunch. When he is comfortable with this, and you want to, you could start him on maybe buying a drink or dessert to give him some exposure to buying things at the lunch counter. Make sure that if you are packing his lunch, give him some options and make sure that he helps you. Even if it only putting fruit or prepackaged snacks into his lunch kit. He's going to do just fine!

Answer 5

If you are unsure you can always pack him a lunch and see what he wants. If he starts asking to buy one give it a try. If not he will probably just be content with the bag lunch. I know it is a hard time but I am sure he would figure it out. Have a little faith in yourself that you have taught him what he needs to do. I am sure his teacher or classmates would not mind helping him. However you need to do what you are comfortable with you are his mom and you know him better than anyone... Truthfully I think that you have already made up your mind on what you are going to do. Good luck and God Bless!

Answer 6

The school where my children attend(i also have one in kindergarten) the teachers are there to help the children get their lunch and make sure they put in the correct lunch number. I usually ask my kids if they would like to take lunch or eat what the school is providing.

Answer 7

I have two boys in kindergarten both have a speech delay and was in school since they were three also. The both don;t hardly talk but I still let them eat the lunch at school so they won't feel left out. He will be OK and he will catch on> My kids have been in school for a week and love it. They eat both breakfast and lunch there. So let him eat his lunch there it will be alot easier on you .

Answer 8

Pack the lunch for him on the first day
Ask the teacher about buying lunch
Kindergarten and 1st graders are normally well supervised in the lunch room in most schools
Write a note, and ask his teacher.
My daughter did not start talking until she was in Kindergarten, she is able to buy lunch

Answer 9

The first day or two I would pack a lunch just to get him used to the area. If you talk to his teacher and tell her your concerns she should make sure someone in the lunch room will help him out. Then will be there for him to show him what to do.

Answer 10

i would contact the school before it actually opens for class. i know here the teachers start back like a week or two before the students return to get things in order. i would think there would be ample staff to make sure his needs are met. my son is hearing impaired, he has a cochlear implant, and the school has always been accommodating his needs. if they are not, take to the next level, it's the law after all. they also have an open house here before school starts, to meet the teachers and locate classes before the first day. i would express any concerns there as well. good luck.