Chris MillerEarly Childhood Educator

Fraser Public Schools

Ready, Set, Go

Source: Fraser Public Schools and Macomb Intermediate School District

Kindergarten Readiness

If children could tell us what they need, here’s what they might say…

“I need adults to work together to help me get ready for school.”

Here’s how you can help!

My Social and Emotional Skills“I need to feel excited and comfortable

about starting school”• Let me know that you are excited about

me starting school• Give me a chance to visit school before I

start• Talk about an experience you had at

school• I need to feel excited and comfortable

about starting kindergarten

I need to feel good about myself• Teach me to follow directions by giving me

simple steps to follow.• Help me to learn how to share, stand in line,

wait my turn, and how to sit in a circle• Pay attention to me and listen to my ideas• Praise me for my strengths• Help me feel good about things I can do

How I Learn“I need to be excited about learning”• Encourage me to explore with my

senses-to see, touch, smell, hear and taste my world

• Help me learn step by step• Teach me that making mistakes is part of

learning• Help me learn and try new activities• Give me lots of time to figure things out

Beginning Reading“I need to be familiar with words and books”• Read to me• Ask me questions about

stories and help me understand their meaning

• Sing songs and teach me rhymes

• Teach me new words• Help me hear the sounds

that letters make

Beginning Numbers“I need to count and understand number order”

• Recognize numbers 1-10• Let me count things at home • Let me know that a number

represents that many objects (3 bears, 2 sisters, 5 fingers)

• Play counting games

A big step with big feelings

• I need to feel ready and eager, even if I also feel scared

• Help me practice saying good-bye to you

• Smile and show your enthusiasm

• Be delighted to see me after school

• Give me time to talk about my day and my new friends

Kindergarten Readiness

Ready?

Melissa SharpDirector

Assumption Center Pre-School

Ready, Set, GoKindergarten Readiness

Transitioning – pre-school to kindergarten

Preparing during the summer

Be Positive• Build confidence• You influence your child’s feelings• Children follow your lead• Read books…

Check out books from the Library

Suggested Books

The Night Before Kindergarten, by Natash WingTiptoe Into Kindergarten, by Jacqueline RogersLook Out Kindergarten, Here I Come!, by Nancy L. CarsonWelcome to Kindergarten, by Anne RockwellTimothy Goes to School, by Rosemary WellsWill I have a Friend?, by Miriam CohenMiss Bindergarten Gets Ready for Kindergarten, by Joseph Slate

Eating lunch independently

Pack a lunch & head to the playground

Have your child unwrap and eat independently

Walk through the steps: what’s first, second, etc.

Developing Social Skills• Decision Making• Fairness• Getting Attention• Problem Solving• Persistence – trial & error• Good Manners• Social Experiences

– Playgroups– Go to the playground– Library story time– Group lessons and sports

Developing Social Skills

• Visit the playground• Establish familiarity• Build confidence• Master “recess”

• Sharing and taking turns• Following the leader• Resolving conflict• Learning independence

Preparing Academically: Fun while Learning• Read daily – interactive• Choose books of current interest• Increase number in one sitting• Ask questions

• What do signs say?• Cut out words from ads• Familiar word books

Letters, Numbers, Writing, Fine Motor, Sounds

Fostering Independence• Practice dressing and tying shoes• Work independently• Use bathroom independently• Button pants, zip jacket, put on shoes

School Readiness Skills• Recognize name/letters• Print concepts• Colors and shapes• Body parts• 2 step instructions• Cutting• Rhyming• Learning Games

Kindergarten Readiness

Set?

Pam CronovichKindergarten Teacher

Grosse Pointe Public Schools

Ready, Set, Go

Kindergarten Readiness

The start of your child’s formal education

The start of your child’s formal education• Expectations: parents & children

Positive talk about school

• Make the setting familiarAttend Spring round upPractice walking to school

• Give your child limited choices• Dress for Success• Establish Daily Routines

The start of your child’s formal education• Practice Bedtime Routine

Backpack by the by the doorChoose clothes and lay outRead a bedtime story – 1 ?

• Practice Morning RoutinesPhoto chart morning routineGet up, get dressed, eat breakfastBrush teeth, look at books…

• Plan a “good-bye” RitualLoving but firmHelp child connect to the dayReassure them you will see them

The start of your child’s formal educationOrganization Minimizes Frustration– Choose a spot for coats, backpacks, lunchboxes– Set up a file box for papers– READ the information sent home

Help your child connect home and school– Connect homework to daily life/routine– Build curriculum connections

The start of your child’s formal educationGet Involved!• School Events• Conferences• Volunteer• Connect with Parents

Kindergarten Readiness

GO!

Kindergarten Readiness