starting kindergarten

Starting

How can I help my child prepare—and succeed?

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Kindergarten is a big step.• for your child

• for you

What will my child learn in kindergarten?

Agenda• Is my child ready

for kindergarten?

• Building skills at home– social skills

– language and thinking skills

• Taking care of the basics

• Getting to know your child’s school

Is my child ready for kindergarten?

How do schools determine readiness?• age requirements• observations and test results• background information

• dress

• say name and address

• count

• follow directions

In general, children should be able to:

What do schools expect?

• listen• get along

• say alphabet

• express feelings

• use crayons and scissors

School requirementsmay include:• immunizations (shots)• speech, hearing,

vision tests• health screenings.

Give your child a healthy start!

• Provide healthy meals.• Ensure enough sleep.• Encourage physical activity.

Family matters!Parents, grandparents, and sisters and brothers all play an important role.

All children are one-of-a-kind.• Understand your child.• Try to be patient.

What’s your child’s learning style?

• Lookers• Movers• Listeners

Children want to learn.They’re curious…

and motivated.

Confidence is key.If at first you don’t succeed…try, try again.

Building on skills at home

Getting along with others

Be a positive role model.

• Make eye contact.• Listen.• Be kind.

Building language and thinking skills• more than talking• building brain power

Language skills

• the power of conversation

• teachable moments

Reading is

• a key skill• builds vocabulary• bonding

Playing with math

• Play with blocks.

• Talk with numbers.

• Use math in daily activities.

• Sort it out!

Getting to know your child’s school

• Prepare for a visit.• Be positive.• Ease fears.

The school visit

• Who can we meet?• What does the

school expect?• How can I help?

Your role isn’t over!

• Be supportive.• Get involved.• Keep finding

teachable moments.

Taking care of the basics

• names

• transportation

• meals

• clothes

• medications

Registration

• deadlines• documentation• completed forms

Getting things together

As the big day gets close• Adjust bedtime and

wake-up time.

• Practice your route.

• Keep things in one place.

• Stay positive.

Making the day