Kindergarten Readiness Summer Series

  •  

    Check out our weekly newsletter!

     

     

    Congratulations and welcome to Kindergarten in the fall. Let the countdown begin to September 4th, which is the first day of Kindergarten! We will be providing an 8-week series of summer learning and information to prepare your child for Kindergarten. This series will include fun, interactive tips, videos, and podcasts that families can use to prepare their children to start and do well in Kindergarten with some skills that have proven to be successful.

    If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to Zoe Dzineku at zdzineku@lowell.k12.ma.us.

     

    Week 1 - Kick Off

    Tip: It is in Kindergarten that a child becomes a student. Picture your child’s first day in Kindergarten. They may be curious, excited, frightened, or more. Let’s get them ready by playing pretend, reading, talking, coloring, and more. Check out our checklist for more information.

     

    Let’s try this: Have your child practice writing their name daily. Before bed, have them use their fingers to write their name on your back and have them say each letter out loud. After practicing for a few weeks, ask your child to draw a picture of themselves and try signing their name. Hang it up where everyone will see it! 

     

    Podcast: https://soundcloud.com/user-725305251/parentz-pod-first-things-first-episode-5-kindergarten-readiness 

     

    Week 2 - Establishing Routines

    Establishing routines provides comfort and stability that help children thrive in the face of challenges. When children know what to expect, they have an easier time. Does your child have a set time to go to bed each night? When practicing routines, the benefits are infinite. We can do this! Let’s start by clicking on the link below.

    https://www.pbs.org/parents/video/collection/creating-routines-with-kids?video=parenting-minutes-routines

    Remember…. Children develop at different rates and there is a huge range of what “normal” looks like at this age. Schools recognize that children entering kindergarten have different skill levels, and kindergarten teachers are prepared to work with children with a wide variety of skills.

     

    Tip: Develop and practice a routine to help your child become ready for Kindergarten. For an example of a routine checklist, click on the links below.

     

    Let’s try this: Create a schedule with your child’s input. Add things such as sleep, meals, chores, play time, snack time, reading time.

     

    Week 3 - Self-Help Skills

    Independence and Self-help skills are important for our Kindergartners. Activities like feeding, dressing and taking care of our own toys or books are self-help skills. Self help skills are important for independent learning in Kindergarten. Let’s get them ready. Please watch the video below for more information on self-help skills. 

     

    Remember…. Children develop at different rates and there is a huge range of what “normal” looks like at this age. Schools recognize that children entering kindergarten have different skill levels, and kindergarten teachers are prepared to work with children with a wide variety of skills. 

     

    Let’s try this: Have your child practice drinking from a cup, open a juice box and use eating utensils.

    https://www.handyhandouts.com/pdf/156_SelfFeeding.pdf

     

    Week 4 - Self Regulation

    It is really important to understand your child’s brain and its development. This is referred to as executive function skills. Skills help them focus, remember instructions, and control themselves. Please sign up for the in-person workshop.

    READ - Mind in the Making: https://www.mindinthemaking.org/life-skills

    WATCH - Center on the Developing Child,Harvard (time 5:35 minutes): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=efCq_vHUMqs

    Let’s try this: Executive Function: Role play, and read to your child. Have your child organize their toys.

     

    Week 5 - Following Directions

    The ability to follow directions is a fundamental life skill that benefits children both now and in the future. Whether at home, school, the playground, or a friend's house, following directions is essential for safety. Simple actions like not wandering off in public places and holding an adult's hand when crossing the street can make a significant difference during stressful situations and emergencies.

    Tips for Following Directions

     

     

    Let’s try this: Play “Follow Directions” games with your child. Here is an example:

     

    Week 6 - Social Skills 

    Research shows that children who enter kindergarten with strong social, emotional and behavioral skills have greater school success in all areas of learning. 

    Recommended Practices - Linking Social Development and Behavior to School Readiness

     

    Let's learn about social skills: 

    Here is some more social emotional prep for Kindergarten: 

     

    Week 7 - Reduction of Screen Time

    Screen technologies can be effective tools for learning for older children, teens, and adults, but there is little evidence that screen use has benefits for babies, toddlers, and young children.

    Screen Aware Early Childhood Action Kit

    Screen Time and Technology - Childmind.org

    6 tips to reduce children's screen time

    Screens such as t.v’s., phones, and tablets, are designed to capture and hold children’s attention, which can result in overuse, behavior challenges, and exposure to harmful advertising.

     

    Let’s try this: Create screen-free zones in the home by having your child play with toys, blocks, water play, puzzles, and more.

     

    Week 8 - The Wrap Up: Recap, Feedback, and Questions

    We will be holding office hours from 9am -12pm and from 4pm -6pm  Mon - Thursday this week for any K-readiness questions.

    Kindergarten Readiness Resources

    Kindergarten Readiness Checklist

    Let's Get Ready for School Activity Cards

    Kindergarten Readiness Videos