Helping my child prepare for kindergarten
Parents are their child’s first and most important teachers. From the day your child was born, you have been busy teaching him or her skills, language and an understanding of the world.
Children enjoy learning and parents can help foster a love of learning by:
- Reading together, then discussing the story and pictures
- Talking with adults and other children (listening carefully to others, taking turns talking, asking
- questions, etc.)
- Making up stories, talking about thoughts, needs or questions
- Explaining how things work
- Playing games together and playing on their own
- Singing and learning songs together, providing opportunities to experience all types of music
- Providing a balance of structured and unstructured playtime
- Exposing your child to new places, things and learning opportunities
- Helping your child to express their needs and teaching them to ask for help when they need it
Parents can also help children build practical skills that support success at school:
- Practicing with zippers, snaps, buttons and shoelaces
- Using a tissue and covering coughs and sneezes
- Saying first and last name
- Recognizing name in print with capital letter at the beginning and the rest lower case
- Using crayons, markers, pencils, glue and scissors
- Helping to put things away after using them
Parents play a key role in their child’s school success. We ask that each day parents help their child prepare for school. You can do this by noting the kindergarten calendar for special activities or items needed; and ensuring your child is properly dressed, carries a full-sized backpack and is
prompt for school. By encouraging your child to attend school regularly, you will help them develop responsible work habits and demonstrate the value of education.
We encourage parents to visit our school. Please contact your child’s teacher for visiting/volunteering times. If you would like to volunteer but are unable to come to school, there are also ways that you can help at home. Again, please contact your child’s teacher.
There are times throughout the year when parents have questions or concerns about their child’s progress or the kindergarten program. Please feel free to call or contact your child’s teacher regarding any concerns or questions you may have.
Set aside a special time each day for your child to share their kindergarten day. Encourage your child to tell about a favorite activity and share items brought home in their school backpack. Please take the time to read school communications such as newsletters, calendars and other notes sent home. These will help keep you informed of classroom and school wide activities.
It is important for parents to reinforce skills and concepts presented to children at school. Reading aloud at home is a key factor in your child’s future reading success. Provide a supportive environment for your child by applauding their efforts and success at school.
Labeling
Please clearly label your child’s belongings, including boots, mittens, coats, hats, shoes and other
personal items.
Federal Summer Food Service Program
Federal Summer Food Service Program provides free meals for anyone 18 and under. To find the closest school offering this service please visit our Nutrition Services Department.