Mark's mother has the right idea. The kids love hearing stories from my husband and I, both, about what things were like when we were kids. Jan Malley is an education coordinator at the Little Red Schoolhouse, and a longtime teacher, too. Number one on her list is to focus on the positive. Part of building that positive attitude might involve a special shopping trip for school supplies and the perfect backpack.
Young children can have a great time once school starts.
Meeting the teacher first can help ease their first-day fears, too. I'd like to just stop by when teachers are decorating rooms. We'd like to just informally visit'. For children with concerns or special needs, Malley suggested that parents put those into writing for the teacher. If your child is worried about making friends, then you might want to check the class roster and plan meeting the other children.