My kid's kindergarten starts this month. They had sent detailed information about what to send along with the kids and all other stuff, but i dint understand few things as I'm not good at the language yet.

I am in need of info about what type of bags, shoes to be worn by the kids, what to pack in the bag, is an extra set of clothing necessary?? these are too basic..but i don't want my kid to be odd-ed out at any of these things.

Haven't done the shopping yet. Precise suggestions about what to shop and what to pack is very much appreciated.

IT varies from Kindergarten to Kindergarten. extra set of clothes in case they get wet/dirty from painting or the like. Something for their znüni an apple and a cracker bread is usually okay. A pair of trainers for jumping/gym day and make sure they are dressed like an onion when it is cold ie lots(3) of thin layers. All this to be put in a rucksack.

Hi Viasna,

Don't get too worried about the kindergarten experience. I had the same experience earlier in the year, but the teacher spoke really slowly for us and made sure we were ok.

Bags: Send your child with a normal rucksack to start with and then suss out what the other kids are taking to that particular kindergarten before you invest in anything fancy! These square back packs are recommended in Switzerland and lots of children have them, but not normally until they are first year at school.

Other: We were given a list of a dozen things that the child needs for school, but most are also provided by the school. The most important for the first day will be shoes. Normal (but sensible) out door shoes or boots (when raining) will be needed to go to school in. The child will need a pair of indoor shoes. These can either be a pair of slippers or sandals/flipflops - preferences vary between schools but either should be ok.

Snacks: We were given specific instructions on snacks. Each child was expected to bring a snack. This was expected to be either a piece of fruit or a piece of plain bread. Basically the whole class turned up with a piece of bread in their pocket each day!

If you need more specifics I can try and locate the list we were given, but everything you need will be on the list you were given by the school. It won't be anything complicated. I'm sure someone will point out if I have missed anything....

Hi Jazz,
Your response is greatly appreciated. If you happen to locate the list that you got, do let know, i dont want you to trouble yourself though.

Your subtlety is noted , I'll get looking for it when I get home this evening....

One other thing. Are you aware that attendance is now compulsory! Until this year Kindergarten was voluntary but now Zurich has added this to the schulpflicht. You get two "joker" days where you can take the child out of school, otherwise they need to be there.

Hiya,

2 basic things you probably will need are:

- the bag (Kindergartentasche), which is mainly used to put a snack (Znüni) in
- and soft gym shoes (Gymnastikschuhe) or anti-slip socks (ABS-Socken) for gym lessons.

have attached a couple of pics. You should be able to get these at a large Migros, or Botty for shoes etc.

The rest - if anything else is needed - depends on your KiGa teacher, who will be sure to let you know.

The original list has failed to resurface, but on the list were:

bag, pencil, scissors, colouring pencils, drawing paper, classroom/indoor shoes, gym shoes and believe it or not ... a swiss army knife!

We spoke to the teacher who told us the list is recommended by the local education office, but that the only things that are really needed are the shoes, bag and colouring pencil. Apparantly the knife is optional.

If you kindergarten is anything like the norm in SG, the kids will be off hiking at the slightest excuse, so make sure they have good walking shoes, a raincoat and wellies. When the weather turns cold, they will be outdoors just as much, so you will need to send them fully kitted in snow gear as well.

Jazz, Thanks a lot.

Hi Crumbs,
The images are really helpful. Thanks.