Starting kindergarten is a big step for every child. They will have new rules and expectations. They will make new friends. And most importantly, they will learn many new things. To help your child not become overwhelmed, you can start with the basics at home.

In addition to working with your child on the focus skills listed below, it is suggested that you also consider the following:

• Emphasize listening when others speak.

• Have your child practice following simple directions.

• Practice finding the way to and from school, if within walking distance.

• Visit museums, and/or your public library and read with your child.

• Establish a routine so there is an easy transition to school routines.

• If applicable, discuss riding the bus safely. Rules can be found on the Transportation Department webpage.

• Visit your school’s playground so the child becomes familiar with the area.

• Participate with your child in back-to-school events.

Entering kindergarten is often more stressful for parents than for children. As such, leaving them at the door or putting them on the bus can cause tears (for both parent and child). Please know that we are sensitive to this issue. The best thing you can do for your children is to let them know that they are off to a great adventure, that they will be safe, and that you will be there when they return. Walking them to the door may result in clinging and crying that can be avoided by creating a positive climate and sending them off with a smile! Walking unassisted to their classroom is the first step to independence. We assure you that we will take good care of each and every one of them. We look forward to having your family as part of our kindergarten family.

• Read to your child for at least fifteen minutes each day. Pick a time when your child wants to listen and when there are no distractions. Bedtime is usually a good time.

• Sit next to your child and hold the book so that the child can see it.

• Allow your child to choose some of the books she/he wants you to read aloud.

• Look at the book cover before reading. Point out the title, author and illustrator.

• Your child may want to hear the same story over and over again. Repetition builds knowledge in beginning reading. Encourage your child to finish predictable phrases or rhymes.

• Allow the child to interrupt you and ask questions or comment on the story. Ask what might happen next, or that she/he might do in the same situation, this strengthens thinking skills. Some helpful questions:

a. What happened at the beginning, middle, or end of the story?

b. What do you think will happen next?

c. Why do you think the character did that?

d. What would you have done if you were that character?

e. What was the best thing about the story?

• Encourage children in your family or neighborhood to read to each other. This is good for both the reader and the listener.

• Try to relate stories to things your child has seen on television, in the movies, or in the course of his/her daily life. This will give more meaning to the reading.

• Draw attention to the pictures as part of the story.

• Don’t stretch your child’s attention span to the breaking point when you are reading aloud. Fifteen minutes is about the maximum time for a beginning reader.

• Poetry is excellent for reading aloud because rhyming is very important in learning to read.

• Make sure your child sees you as a reader: reading a newspaper, enjoying a book, reading a catalog, etc.

• Consider giving books as a present so they become associated with a pleasurable experience and have special meaning.