Five Ways You Can Help Prepare Your Child for Kindergarten
Is Your Child Ready?
Kindergarten is a BIG year for young students. They are embarking on a new and exciting journey! Below are five ways parents can help make the transition into kindergarten as smooth as possible for their children.
Help Your Child Get Along With Others
Kindergarten is a time to make new friends! Set up play dates or attend activities with other children your child's age to reduce their anxiety about being around new children. Talk with your child about how to share and take turns, as well as how to solve conflicts.
Encourage Your Child to Do Things by Themselves
In kindergarten, your child will learn to take care of their own needs and belongings. Teach them simple tasks and then let them do them on their own. Encourage your child to put their own coat on, put their shoes away, and wash their own hands. Invite them to do simple daily chores that they will enjoy. Praise your child for their help.
Play and Build Things Together
Your child will draw, write, and use scissors in kindergarten. Help them build the muscles in their fingers and hands. Give your child crayons and paper, puzzles, and small toys to take apart and put together again. Build with blocks and join your child in pretend play.
Help Your Child Follow Directions
Throughout the day in kindergarten, your child will need to follow directions. Give your child tasks that require them to follow one- to two-step directions. Ask your child to clean their face with a napkin and throw the napkin in the trash, or pick out a shirt and then put it on. A good game of "Follow the Leader" can also make learning to follow directions fun.
Read With Your Child Every Day
Read books to your child that tell stories about kindergarten. Your child might enjoy: Froggy Goes to School by Jonathan London and Mouse's First Day of School by Lauren Thompson. Most importantly, reading to your child every day will help them learn how to read! Ask them questions about the story. Read aloud other things in your environment, such as street signs, magazines, and food labels.
