Kindergarten Readiness
Is your child starting kindergarten
next year? Are you looking for tips to prepare your child for school? Below are some tips that
can help ease your child into kindergarten.
1.
Develop routines. School runs on a
schedule, so it’s better that your child can adapt. Choose regular times for
your child to eat, play and sleep each day. This will help them adjust to a
scheduled routine in kindergarten.
Center-based preschools offer a structured environment with routines and
schedules.
2.
Learn basic skills. Review with your
child so they can recognize letters, numbers, colors and shapes. Make it fun! Find letters and shapes
throughout your day, draw them in the sand or snow or in your food. Playing with small items and creating shapes
or letters is a great way our Little Lukes Occupational Therapists work on fine
motor skills and early reading.
3.
Read and play games. Make reading a daily
family activity. Keep a bin of books
near the couch and bed so they are visible and ready. Reading benefits your
child most when it's a shared and interactive experience, so do it together.
4.
Start socialization. Promote your child's
social development by signing them up for local group activities, sports or
preschool programs. This could be swim lessons, playgroup, a preschool class,
or art program. This will allow them to
make friends they may see in school. It’ll also teach good behavior, like how
to share, how to express their feelings and practice taking turns.
5.
Talk about kindergarten. Be excited about
kindergarten, read books and visit the school before school begins. Attend open house before the school year
starts. At the event, show your excitement for the new beginning.
