A loving start to school

starting school

A little girl in a white shirt stands in front of a yellow background and smiles.

When kindergarten comes to an end

Saying goodbye to kindergarten brings an important chapter in a child's life to a close. First of all, it means saying goodbye to friends with whom the child has played and laughed for a long time. The farewell also means letting go of familiar things, such as the daily walk to kindergarten, beloved toys, or special experiences. A new chapter begins with different experiences and challenges. The transition from kindergarten to school is also an emotional time for parents, raising questions such as: Will my child get along well with the teacher? Will they feel comfortable in the class? Will they make new friends? Can they handle the new demands? Will I notice if something isn’t right? Will my child be able to follow the lessons? Can they stay focused on a task for a longer period of time? When the child walks through the school gate alone for the first time, many parents are left with mixed emotions. This change is especially noticeable with the first child starting school. That’s why it’s so important to give both the child and yourself time to arrive in this new stage of life with confidence. After all, every child brings many skills from their preschool years, which provide a solid foundation for starting school. With support from parents and an attentive teacher, starting school gets easier week by week.

Four children are lying side by side on the grass and smiling.

Creating a kindergarten memory album

Saying goodbye to kindergarten is a special moment to pause and look back together. How about creating an album for your child with lots of memories of their kindergarten days? You might include pictures of friends, snapshots from celebrations, small crafts, and your child’s own artwork. This way, you create a truly personal keepsake for your child from those early childhood years.

A young man in a white shirt against a yellow background.

The first day of school is a big step

Some children approach the start of school a little hesitantly. For them, loving preparation is especially important to help them face this day with greater confidence. A sense of security grows when children get to know the new place before their first day of school and practice the route.

A girl with a school bag gets ready for school with her mother.

Preparing for the first day of school

Talk to your child early on about the upcoming start of school. Visit the school together and pick out the first school supplies with your child. Many schools invite families to a welcome afternoon before the school year begins. On this day, your child meets their teacher and sees the classroom for the first time. The children also meet each other in a relaxed atmosphere and quickly get talking through simple games. If your child’s school offers this kind of opportunity, be sure to take part. The better children know what to expect, the more confidently they will experience their first day of school. Even if your child’s future school does not offer a welcome afternoon, it’s still worthwhile to take a walk to the school or have a look through the fence to get a first impression. Some schoolyards are open to families in the afternoons or on weekends, allowing your child to explore the school grounds. If siblings already attend the school, school events are a good opportunity to see the inside of the building. Also talk to your child about what a typical school day looks like. Explain new routines such as the way to school, break times, lessons, and other daily activities. This provides a sense of security and helps reduce possible anxiety. Saying goodbye to kindergarten friends is also part of this transition. A conversation about it or a small gift for the friends can help make letting go a little easier. Answer your child’s questions patiently so they can begin this new stage of life well prepared.

A father accompanies his daughter on the way to school.

Starting school without fear

The transition from kindergarten to primary school is a big step for children and can sometimes come with uncertainty. Take these feelings seriously and respond to your child with empathy. Practice the journey to school together several times to reduce anxiety and give your child a sense of security, so they can find their way in the new environment. Start exploring the school route with your child a few weeks before school begins, whether on foot or by bus. Take your time explaining important traffic signs, traffic lights, and potential danger zones, especially in areas with poor visibility or heavy traffic. Also practice appropriate behavior at bus stops and on the bus. Show your child how to get on and off the bus safely and to press the button in time to get off. This includes waiting for other passengers to get off first, greeting the driver, and showing consideration for elderly passengers. In this way, your child learns to navigate traffic safely and gains confidence in their own abilities. Keep in mind that every child is unique and needs their own time to adjust to new situations. Comparisons with other children are not helpful and only create additional pressure. What matters most is that children feel supported by their parents. In the beginning, many parents still accompany their child to school. Over time, your child may be able to walk to school with other neighborhood children or new school friends. With each passing day, confidence in their own abilities grows, so that the journey to school will soon go smoothly without worries.

A smiling boy in a striped shirt against a blue background.

A lovely tradition for the first day of school

After the long summer holidays, a very special day begins for many children in Germany: their first day of school. Hundreds of thousands of school starters smile proudly as they hold their ›Schultüte‹ in their hands. Whether decorated with princesses, pirates, or colorful crafts, each cone is filled with little surprises waiting for the child. But what’s hidden inside the Schultüte remains a little secret until the very end …

Two girls on their first day of school with their Schultüte.

The Schultüte: How kids start school with a smile

In Germany, a child’s first day of school is a special milestone. One of the most charming traditions for this occasion is the ›Schultüte‹, sometimes also called a ›Zuckertüte‹. It’s a large, colorful paper cone that every schoolchild receives on their first day of school. The Schultüte stands as a symbol of a beautiful transition into school life, and of a day meant to be remembered for years to come. While some parents enjoy crafting the Schultüte with their child, others prefer to buy one that's already made. A few days before the big day, parents secretly fill the cone with little items like sweets, school supplies, or a small toy. After the first school day, the moment finally arrives: opening the Schultüte at home is a moment filled with excitement and joy, a loving way to mark this new chapter in a child’s life. While this tradition is widely practiced and considered a natural part of starting school in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, it is still largely unknown in many other countries. But perhaps this lovely idea can inspire parents outside of Germany to create a special surprise for their child’s first day of school, too. Here are some gift ideas for the Schultüte:

A boy with his Schultüte on his first day of school.

Sweets

Kids’ umbrella with reflective strip

Lunch box

Airtight drinking bottle for school and on the go.

Water bottle

Piggy bank

Playdough

Safety scissors

Bubbles

Silent alarm clock for kids

Children’s wallet

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