Preparing for the Big Day
Kindergarten is a big milestone for kids and parents alike. In many ways it is also a predictor of future academic success. Studies show that children who are struggling to read in the first grade are often still struggling by the fourth grade.
Here are some of the things you can do— as well as milestones to keep an eye on— as you and your child prepare for the big day.
Reading, writing and comprehension
HOW TO HELP THEM PREPARE:
- Read to your child for at least 15 minutes each day
- Ask him or her questions about the story
- Ask him or her to turn to specific pages or point to certain pictures
HOW YOU KNOW THEY’RE READY:
- Recognize and match colors and shapes
- Identify the letters of the alphabet
- Print and recognize their own name
Emotional readiness
HOW TO HELP THEM PREPARE:
- Visit your child’s classroom before the first day of school
- Arrange a few play dates with new classmates before school starts
- Talk to the teacher about your child and let them know likes, dislikes, etc.
HOW YOU KNOW THEY’RE READY:
- Able to appropriately express their emotions
- Cooperate with others
- Show an interest in exploring their environment
Creativity and imagination
HOW TO HELP THEM PREPARE:
- Play with blocks and dress-up clothes
- Build imaginary villages with empty cereal boxes
- Do arts and crafts with them at home using whatever you have
HOW YOU KNOW THEY’RE READY:
- Show signs of curiosity with persistent and purposeful questions
- Take things apart to see how they work
- Create drawings and stories with a style that marks them as their own
Motor skills
HOW TO HELP THEM PREPARE:
- Play with toys that promote coordination and hand skills
- Encourage climbing, crawling and exploring
- Experiment with play dough and other interesting textures•
HOW YOU KNOW THEY’RE READY:
- Hop, jump and march
- Complete a 5-piece puzzle
- Use scissors, glue, pencils and crayons
Social skills:
HOW TO HELP THEM PREPARE:
- Take turns playing with and sharing toys while talking about what you are doing
- Encourage your child to find solutions to problems, such as a conflict with another child
- Help your child manage emotions by observing the emotions of others and talking about them
HOW YOU KNOW THEY’RE READY:
- Share toys and use kind words with other kids
- Spend some time away from parents
- Do things on their own for 15 minutes
Other
If your child is getting ready to start kindergarten in the fall, call or visit the school, or go to the website of your local school district for registration information and forms. It’s always best to do this before school starts. Ask about requirements for immunization and vaccination records and make sure your child has the health documents needed for enrollment.
SOURCES :
Fratt, Lisa. “Kindergarten Readiness: Is Your Baby Ready to Start School?” BabyZone. (www.babyzone.com/preschooler/article/kindergarten-readiness) 27 April 2010.
Parlapiano, Ellen H. “Ready for Kindergarten? Five teachers tell you what preschoolers really need for next year,” Parent & Child magazine. (http://www2.scholastic.com/browse/article.jsp?id=701)
Stewart, Melanie. “How to Prepare Your Child for Kindergarten.” Plano Family Examiner. 27 April 2010
Dollar Store Literacy (link)
Children’s Reading List (link)
Texas Early Childhood Education Coalition (link)
