Getting Ready for Kindergarten

Everett Public Schools2015

Welcome to

A Day in Kindergarten

Arrive at School

• How do children get to school?

o Walko Parents driveo Bus for some

areas

Beginning of the Day

• Put coat & backpack away in personal cubby or locker

• Beginning of the day routine

• Breakfast program available

Welcome Time

Welcome Time Concept Development

• Information about the day

• Read aloud

• Modeled writing

Welcome Time Songs & Finger plays

Math

• Numbers

• Counting objects

• Patterns

• Forming groups

• Shapes

• Measurements & graphs

• Solving problems

Literacy: Oral Language

• Listening and understanding

• Expressing thoughts, feelings

and ideas

• Learning and using new words

• Retelling familiar stories

• Taking turns in classroom conversations

Literacy:Learning how stories work

Telling about a memory that includes:

• What happened

• Who was there

• Where did it happen

• How did you feel

• What did you say

Literacy: Beginning to Write• Telling and drawing

one’s own stories • Sounding out and

writing letters and words

• Using writing in a variety of ways- Labels- Children’s stories - Lists- Journals

Literacy: Beginning to Read• Read aloud• Teacher modeled reading• Small group reading

instruction• Letters, sounds, rhyming,

and beginning sight words• Center activities

Science

• Learning about living and non-living things

• Asking questions• Making observations• Using tools to solve

problems• 3 units per year

- Balls & Ramps- Wood & Paper- Animals 2x2

Social Studies• Social skills

• Understanding emotions

• Working in a group

• Classroom & school community

Social Skills

• Following routines• Sharing and helping

others• Recognizing feelings• Interacting with more children and adults• Managing self in a classroom and other

parts of a school• Taking on challenging tasks

Recess & Outdoor Play

• Physical activity

• Time to play with other children

• Learning to cooperate, take turns and solve problems

Technology in the Classroom• Supporting development

of math, reading and

writing

• Developing beginning

computer skills

• Imagine Learning

English for students learning English

Specialists

Music

Specialists

Library

Specialists

Lessons with the Counselor

Specialists

Physical Education (PE)

Your School

Main Office Health Room

Cafeteria

Food at School• Breakfast available before

school• Lunch for Full-Day

Kindergarten• Snacks vary by school &

teacher• Know Student ID number to

go through food line• Free or Reduced Lunch

applications available in September

Self-Help Skills• Independently use

the bathroom• Zip & button coat• Blow own nose• Put on and take off

backpack• Clean up small

spills• Put away materials• Ask for help• Wash hands

Supporting Your Child’s Success

Family Involvement

• Reading with your child daily

• Sharing family stories

• Helping with class projects/work

• Family events• Parent-Teacher Conferences• Volunteering• PTA

Important Things to Remember

• Being at school on time, every day is important

• Children learn new things each day

• Important information and skills are taught throughout the entire day

• All children start school at different skill levels

Important Things to Remember• You know your child

best. If they are too sick to attend school please keep them home

• Check your school’s guidelines

Before the First Day… • Review the “Kindergarten

Readiness Guidelines” to see what you and your child can work together on over the summer

• Choose a few things to do each day

• Repeat the same items until your child can do them easily and feels successful

• Make it fun!

Before the First Day…• Develop a home routine• Help your child learn their

personal information and how to care for him/herself

• Get supplies ready and labeled (see list for your school)

• Visit the school playground over the summer

• Practice drop off and pick up

Visit the district Early Learning website• www.everettsd.org/earlylearning

Additional Support

If you have concerns about your child’s development or readiness for kindergarten, please contact:

• Your School Principal• Special Services

o 425-385-5250• Early Learning Curriculum Specialist,

Lynn Lahey o 425-385-4089

Spread the word about Kindergarten• Registration is

happening now

• It is important to register in the spring

• Tell your neighbors, family & friends

• Final information on classes in August

Questions?

Check with your school’s principal

What is WaKIDS?

The Washington Kindergarten Inventory of Developing Skills is a process for:

●Welcoming students and their families to kindergarten

●Assessing students’ strengths

●Engaging the state in a conversation about the characteristics of children’s development and learning

that will enable them to be successful in school

WaKIDS is a partnership supported by state, federal and private funding

Cedar Wood

Emerson

Garfield

Hawthorne

Jackson

James Monroe

Lowell

What elementary schools are participating in WaKIDS?Full-day kindergarten programs at:

Madison

Mill Creek

Silver Lake

View Ridge

Whittier

Woodside

The first 3 days of school have been set aside for teachers to meet individually with each child and family.•Children and family members are invited to a special one-on-one with a kindergarten teacher during one of the first three days when other students have begun school. •The appointment will be scheduled in advance.•Family meetings will be held at your student’s school.

How will WaKIDS students’ first day of kindergarten be different?

• When will school start in the fall? Family connection meetings are held during the first three days of school. Your family will be scheduled on one of these three days. The first full day of kindergarten for all WaKIDS students will be the following Monday.

• When is my appointment? Your school will inquire about times that will work best for you. This information will be used to schedule your family connection meeting with your child’s teacher.

Questions and Answers

Where can I get more information about WaKIDS?

Visit http://www.k12.wa.us/WaKIDS

to learn more.