Getting Ready for Kindergarten

Everett Public Schools2011-2012 Academic Year

A Day in Kindergarten

Arrive at School

• How do children get to school?o Walko Parents driveo Bus for some areas

Beginning of the Day

• Put coat & backpack away in personal cubby or locker

• Beginning of the day routine

• Breakfast program available

Welcome Time

Calendar

• Identify day, month and year

• Weather• Patterning• Shape identification

Songs, Stories & Fingerplays

Math

• Numbers• Counting objects• Patterns• Forming groups• Shapes• Measurements &

graphs• Solving problems

Literacy• Listening & speaking• Learning how stories

work• Beginning writing• Sounds of letters and

words• Being a part of a

classroom discussion

Beginning to Read

• Letters, sounds, rhyming

• Center activities• Read aloud

Beginning to Write

• Sounding out & writing letters and words

• Write in different ways- Labels- Children’s own stories - Lists- Journals

Science

• Learning about living and non-living things

• 3 units per yearo Balls & Rampso Wood & Papero Animals 2x2

• Asking questions• Making observations• Using tools to solve

problems

Social Studies

• Understanding of self

• Working in a group

• Classroom & school community

Social Skills

• Following routines• Sharing and helping

others• Recognizing feelings• Interacting with

children and adults

Recess & Outdoor Play

• Time to play freely with other children

• Physical activity

• Learning to play with others

Computers in the Classroom

• Drawing programs• Kindergarten learning

gameso Math o Readingo Writing

• Online audio books

Specialists

Music Library

Lessons with the Counselor Physical Education (PE)

Your School

Main Office Health Room

Cafeteria

Food at School• Breakfast is available

before school• Lunch for All-Day

Kindergarten• Snacks vary by school &

teacher• Know Student ID number

to go through food line• Free & Reduced Lunch

Applications will be available in September

Self-Help Skills

• Independently use the bathroom

• Zip & button coats• Blow own nose• Put on backpack• Clean up small spills• Put away materials• Ask for help• Wash hands

Supporting Your Child’s Success

Family Involvement

• Reading to your child daily

• Helping with class projects/work

• Family events• Parent-Teacher

Conferences• Volunteering• PTA

Important Things to Remember

• Being at school on-time, everyday is important

• Children learn new things everyday

• Important information and skills are taught throughout the entire day

• All children start school at different skill levels

• You know your child best. If they are too sick to attend school please keep them home.

• Check your schools guidelines.

Important Things to Remember

Before the First Day…

• Review the “Getting Ready for Kindergarten Checklist” to see what you and your child can work together on over the summer

• Choose a few things to do each day

• Repeat the same items until your child can do them easily and feels successful

• Make it Fun!

Before the First Day…

• Develop a home routine• Help your child learn their

personal information and how to care for him/her self

• Get supplies ready and labeled (see list for your school)

• Visit the school• Practice drop off and pick up

Additional Support

If you have concerns about your child’s development or readiness for kindergarten, please contact:

• Your School Principal• Special Services

o 425-385-5250• Early Childhood Curriculum Specialist, Lynn

Lahey o 425-385-4089

Spread the word about Kindergarten

• Registration is happening now

• Tell your neighbors, family & friends

• Final information on classes in August

Questions?

Check with your school’s principal