Ready...Set...Connect to Kindergarten!

Readiness Skills

  • Ability to sit and listen for a short period of time, and wait for a turn.
  • An interest in books: being read to, talking about the pictures and characters, and retelling the story. 
  • Experience in playing and sharing with other children.
  • Experience using scissors to cut paper and crayons and pencils to write, draw  and trace.
  • An interest in counting objects like toys or rocks, noticing patterns (red sock,  blue sock, red sock, blue sock), and sorting objects by size shape or color.
  • A broad vocabulary built through positive, meaningful conversations and  experiences.
  • Ability to recognize letters of the alphabet, especially the letters in their name. 
  • Practice in writing name. 
  • Independently takes care of personal needs such as toileting, washing hands, zipping, and buttoning.
  • Ability to respect other’s personal space and keep their body to themselves.
  • Enjoys playing pretending or imaginary games such as playing store or playing  house.
  • Experience running, hopping, kicking or catching a ball.

Preparing for the first day

In most schools, kindergartners start school a week after the 
school year begins. There are lots of ways to prepare your 
child for the first day of school. Here are just a few tips:
  • Start your child’s school-night routine at least two  weeks before school starts to allow everyone time to  adjust to an earlier bedtime and wake-up time.
  • Have your child get plenty of rest the night before school starts. 
  • Make sure your child has time to eat a healthy breakfast, either at school or at  home.
  • Be calm and relaxed and positive about school. Your child will pick up on your mood!
  • Stash a change of clothing in your child’s backpack, just in case.
  • When it’s time for school to begin, give your child a happy, confident goodbye.  
  • Reassure your child that you will return. Don’t linger.

Contact the counselor!

     If you are in doubt of how the transition is going, or you as a parent are having a hard time, please don't hesitate to contact me.  As a parent of a kindergartener in 2013 I will be right there with you!  I am always open to consult, observe your child, offer tips and/or suggestions, or give you that needed hug.
     We love our children and it's so hard to let someone else care for them, or we feel guilty because we aren't worried!  Regardless of the issue I am always here for both students and their families.