‘Pack a Yummy Lunch’ — Advice from First Graders to the Incoming Kindergarten Class

Entering kindergarten is a big adjustment, with longer school days, first-time bus rides, meeting new friends and so much more.

Parents and teachers have plenty of suggestions for the little ones tackling all those milestones, but we wanted to talk to some real experts: first graders!

We asked new first graders from some Chicago and North Shore elementary schools for their advice to the incoming kindergarten students. Their answers, not surprisingly, are sweet, inspiring and sure to bring a smile to your face. 

Baker Demonstration School, Wilmette

Aara Desai Bakers Demonstration School

“Pack a yummy lunch. It is super fun to eat in a lunchroom.” — Aara Desai

Jonah Cooper Baker's Demonstration School

“You will love the Print Shop. You can make lots of cool things. You just need to clean up all your messes.” — Jonah Cooper

Elan Sharon Bakers Demonstration School

“You will have lots of time to play with new friends, and you will learn lots of new stuff. I hope you have a good time. I had a great time.” — Elan Sharon

Isaac Friebus Baker's Demonstration School

“Don’t forget a change of clothes. We got pretty muddy and wet this year.” — Isaac Friebus

Sacred Heart, Chicago

Sacred Heart Chicago Louisa Baldwin

“You don’t need to be shy because it’s just kindergarten.” — Louisa

Logan Johnson Sacred Heart Chicago

“Follow the rules. You should listen to your teachers and raise your hand if you have a question.” — Logan

Ava O’Flaherty Sacred Heart Chicago

“You have to listen and learn. You have to be respectful.” — Ava

Nora Weidenhammer Sacred Heart Chicago

“Be a friend to all and help those that need you.” — Nora

North Shore Country Day, Winnetka

Noah Freeman Northshore day school
Photographed by Thomas | © 2019 TK Photography | www.tkphotographychicago.com

“Keep a smile on your face — even behind a mask.” — Noah Freeman

Sloane Storino northshore country day school
Photographed by Matthew | © 2020 TK Photography | www.tkphotographychicago.com

“Always remember your lunch box so you’re not hungry!” — Sloane Storino

 Margaret Rioja-Rasmussen Northshore Country Day School
Photographed by Thomas | © 2020 TK Photography | www.tkphotographychicago.com

“If you have something to say, you don’t have to hold it in. You can get it out.” — Margaret Rioja-Rasmussen

Sebastian Reber Northshore Country Day School
Photographed by Matthew | © 2020 TK Photography | www.tkphotographychicago.com

“Your name is important and you have a voice.” — Sebastian Reber

Leo Wachter Northshore country day school
Photographed by Matthew | © 2020 TK Photography | www.tkphotographychicago.com

“Listen to your teachers because they love you.” — Leo Wachter

Names, comments and images printed with parent and school permission. Last names not used where requested.


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Jessica Dlugosz is a digital marketing assistant at Make it Better Media Group. She lives in the Chicago Suburbs and is a first generation college graduate, fluent polish speaker. She enjoys volunteering at Feed my Starving Children, an organization that packages meals for those in underdeveloped countries.

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