Getting Your Child Ready for Kindergarten

I'll never forget the first time I sent each of my daughters off to kindergarten. I don't know who was more afraid -- me or them. Truth be told, I think it was me as I didn't know the stranger who was assigned to teach my child. I held high expectations because as a principal of the school at the time I knew what first days were like and now my baby was going to be in the middle of it.

Last summer, my four-year-old granddaughter attended pre-school for the first time. She was more than ready; her mother not so much. In fact, my granddaughter was so excited she woke her mother up at four a.m. and said, "It's time. I gotta go to school."

There was a reason for this -- she was prepared. Her entire life, she rode with her mother as they dropped off her brother to school. She always wanted to stay and go with him. So when the day arrived, she couldn't wait.

Not all children are this accepting. Some have real fears and are afraid. As parents, that is the last thing we want for them. That is why today's author and book are important.

ABOUT THE BOOK

KARSON Goes to Kindergarten Paperback

by Kendra Alston (Author)

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Karson is about to enter kindergarten and he is a little scared. He and his mother spend time preparing for his big day, but buying new clothes, new school supplies, and getting a new haircut does nothing to erase his kindergarten fears. Read to find out what happens to Karson on his very first day.

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Kendra Alston

www.karsongoestokindergarten.com
 

Karson Goes to Kindergarten

Tell your readers a little about yourself, where you grew up, where you live now, where you went to school etc. Let them get to know the personal you.

 

I grew up in Chapel Hill, NC, which to me is the absolute best little town in North Carolina. After graduating from high school, I attended Winston-Salem State University, where I eventually graduated with a degree in elementary education. I now live in Charlotte, NC, and I have been there for 25 years. I have spent the majority of my career working in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg School System.

 

What inspired you to author this book?

 

My son, Karson (who is now 8 years old) was my biggest inspiration for my book. Every day is an adventure, and preparing for his first day of school was the biggest adventure of all.

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Where did you get the inspiration for your book’s cover?

On Karson's first day, I took a picture of him. I will never forget the look on his face in that photo. He was afraid yet excited at the same time. It's hard to explain. I was going through so many emotions. He had grown up into this little mini person right before my eyes. It all happened so fast. One minute he was learning how to walk and the next minute he had a big backpack on his back that was larger than he was. I shared the picture with my illustrator and was so happy he was able to recapture the scene. 

 

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Who has been the most significant influence on you personally and as a writer?

I think I take a little piece of information from everyone I interact with whether it's my grandmother, my mom or dad, or my students. More than anything, I learn and my daily interactions with Karson influence me. I absolutely love motherhood. It's the best "hood" of all.

What were your struggles or obstacles you had to overcome to get this book written?

I think my biggest challenge was trying to find an illustrator that was as passionate about the book as I was. I needed a talented artist who could vividly capture our emotions.

Tell your readers about your book.

 

Karson Goes to Kindergarten is a coming-of-age story about a boy who is about to begin school -- kindergarten. He is afraid, and he imagines all of the horrible things that could happen on his first day. The rhythm, rhyme, repetition, and 52 colorful pages that make up this fun tale, will have parents and children entertained over and over again. Readers will find a list of kindergarten sight words and questions at the back of the book. 

INTERIOR EXCERPTS

 

 

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What would people like about your book?

If you order from the website, your book comes in a personalized package with crayons, a bookmark and my signature. You also have the option of purchasing the workbook. The Kindergarten Kits are available for purchase and they are especially popular with pre-K classrooms.

  

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Who is your target audience, and why?

The entire world. Lol! Really, I think it's worth sharing with everyone, but parents of pre-K and kindergarten students, daycare teachers, and kindergarten teachers would especially love my book.

 

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Are you a helicopter, drone or lighthouse parent?

Honestly, it depends on whom you ask. Some of Karson’s teachers might say I’m a drone parent because I am very involved and to be honest, unfortunately, not all teachers like that. But back to your question, after reading Dr. Ginsburg’s book “Raising Kids to Thrive,” I think I have been all three at different stages in Karson’s life. I think when he was a toddler, I was definitely a drone parent, but as he grew, I became a helicopter parent and now I’m more of a lighthouse. I’m that stable force in his life and I make sure he is safe, but I allow him to fail. He needs to know what failure feels like and how to channel that feeling positively. I certainly have failed many times in different aspects of my life. But my parents, my entire family actually, constantly nurtured my sense of self-worth, so that when I did fail, I didn’t feel worthless. It is all about balance.

You rarely mention your degrees or career accomplishments as an educator. Let's see, you have been Teacher of the Year, you hold your National Board Certification, you have two Masters degrees you have an online training company, and you are currently a Doctoral Candidate. How important are these accomplishments to you?

Of course, they are important to me and I am proud of each of them, but those accomplishments are reserved for my resume. They don't define me. Honestly, at one time they did. But I think as I have grown spiritually and mentally, I realize what matters most to me. I would much rather be known for my loyalty, ability to motivate others, courage, empathetic-spirit, and humor. My clients are children and they couldn't care less about how many degrees I have or what awards I have won. They want to know that I genuinely care about them and that I am going to make the learning fun. And guess what? I have MASTERED that.

What do you consider your greatest success in life?

I honestly believe my greatest successes always occur after I have failed at something. So, I guess I feel most successful when I fail, but keep going. That's with anything -- motherhood, weight loss, teaching, relationships, and writing.

What one unique thing sets you apart from other writers in your genre?

I think when you combine my experience teaching elementary, middle, and high school students and working as a teacher-leader with the fact that I am currently teaching gives me perspectives as a writer that most don't get to experience.