Kindergarten Readiness Guide

• Check your school website.
• Walk to the bus stop before the first day of school so your child gets familiar with the routine. 
• In August, attend your school's Open House event and Family Connection meeting. We can't wait to meet everyone!

Help your child build independence and master these skills before school!

• Using the bathroom independently
• Washing hands, make sure to scrub for 20 seconds!
• Putting on footwear, if they are unable to tie laces, slip-ons or Velcro are great!
• Putting on a coat. Practice buttoning or zippering up.
• Kids need energy to learn, play, and manage emotions. Ensure they are getting enough sleep (9-12 hours) and start their day with a nutritious breakfast.
• Consistent bedtime and morning routine, get this started before school begins. 

• Be a role model by showing your child a positive attitude about school and learning. 
• Talk with your child about going to kindergarten and answer any questions they might have.
• Talk about how you expect them to behave at school and the importance of respecting teachers, students, and other staff.

• Read to your child and tell stories in your home language daily.
• Find the math in daily experiences (count, sort, name shapes, compare objects, etc.)! Count or sort toys, laundry, food items...anything and everywhere!
• Teach your child their full name and practice writing their first name.
• Use everyday situations to practice taking turns, sharing, and following routines. 
• Get plenty of exercise and spend time outdoors every day!
• Talk about feelings and help with calm-down strategies (such as taking deep breaths or counting). Help them use words to name feelings and solve problems.
• Encourage them to solve problems independently (try different ways). If needed, help them develop solutions. Celebrate their efforts when they keep trying when things feel hard!