Preschool teacher points to a page on a book he is reading to a group of students in a classroom. They are all sitting on a blue rug.

SCHOOL READY ALL YEAR LONG!

Going to preschool or kindergarten is an important step for both you and your child. It may be the first time away from home or a transition to a new setting and friends. Even the return to a familiar program can be filled with excitement and anxiety.

What does it mean to be ready for school? Readiness is something you can support every day with your children. Families can help children at home during daily family routines like grocery shopping, laundry, drawing, and reading and telling stories.

Here are a few simple ways you can support your child to be ready for their new adventure!

  • Read aloud 15 minutes a day. Read to your child, have books available. Reading with your child in any language supports brain development and literacy.
  • Build vocabulary. Talk about what you see around you. Ask your child what he/she is doing. How did you make that? What are you are building?
  • Practice self-help skills such as:
    • Toileting
    • Handwashing
    • Zipping and unbuttoning
    • Getting dressed
  • Make sure your child gets enough sleep. Lack of sleep is one of the primary reasons children have difficulty in school.  
  • Help your child to write his or her first name. Write it for them, have them trace over it with a finger or pencil. Trace the child's name with tracing paper. Post their name around the house so they can recognize it. 
  • Identify the letter names and sounds in your child's name and common words or signs in the community, like Stop or Exit.
  • Count objects from 1-10, such as fruit, napkins, or toys.
  • Take your child to their new school's playground.
  • Set up playdates. Help your child share toys, cooperate, and listen to others.
  • Set regular times for meals. Limit sugary snacks and offer fruits and vegetables.
  • Visit the doctor and dentist regularly and get your child's vision and hearing checked.

 

PREPARING YOUNG CHILDREN FOR THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL

There are simple things you can do at home to prepare children for the first day of school.

  • Practice and know the route to school, know how long it takes to get to school, and identify the school entrance.
  • Come play in the playground - a great way to get exercise and feel comfortable at school.
  • Gather supplies: Do you have a backpack, snack bag/lunchbox?
  • Get enough sleep. Establish a bedtime routine and wake up time and routine.
  • Check your child's school website for arrival and dismissal times, routines, and school calendar.
  • Read books about going to school and what happens in school.

 

Transition to Kindergarten

The transition to kindergarten is an exciting time that requires family support. Learn more about your child's school and look for planned activities to help children to feel comfortable with the shift from home childcare, family childcare, center-based preschool, or public preschool to kindergarten at the Open Houses page.