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!