March 21, 2024 by kschlag
My daughter has her Kindergarten screening coming up in a few weeks. She is very excited to be going to the “big kid school” next year, but I know that this will be a big transition for her. As we prepare for that transition, we have learned that being kindergarten ready goes beyond the academic skills. As parents or caregivers, we can help with the successful transition to kindergarten by:
Establishing strong routines: Kids function better when they have a routine, as they know what to expect and what comes next. When a child enters kindergarten, they will have a routine for the school day. Along these lines, it is important that sleep and night routines are established so that kids get enough sleep for a successful day. Once kindergarten starts, establishing a solid morning routine so that everyone is able to have breakfast and get to school on time is essential.
Helping to develop self-help skills: These are skills that can foster independence and can be part of a routine. Some examples of self-help skills are putting on a coat and zipping it, putting on shoes, and using the bathroom independently. These skills can also help foster independence and responsibility. At dinner time, have your child take the responsibility of setting the table, having ownership and pride in a job well done can help boost his or her confidence.
Learning cooperative play: Being able to play with peers is an essential skill when starting school. Taking turns and sharing all play a big part in this. As a parent or caregiver, you can help your child in learning cooperative play by playing turn- taking games, games that make someone wait until it’s their turn to roll the dice or spin the wheel.
Setting the expectations: When anyone goes somewhere or does something new it can be scary. As much as possible, prepare your kindergartener for what will happen. Attend the open house or conference to meet the teacher. Help pick out school supplies together. Take a tour of the school. Anything you can do to help the situation be less intimidating will have a better result for your child.
With any life transition there is bound to be a learning curve, however with some preparation before the first day at the “big kid school” we hope to make the transition as smooth as possible and have a great year!
Written by: Katie Schlagheck, Extension Educator Family and Consumer Sciences, Ottawa & Sandusky Counties
Reviewed by: Erin Ruggiero, Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences, Medina County
March 28, 2024
Beyond Academics: Kindergarten Ready | Live Healthy Live Well
maximios Blog
March 21, 2024 by kschlag
My daughter has her Kindergarten screening coming up in a few weeks. She is very excited to be going to the “big kid school” next year, but I know that this will be a big transition for her. As we prepare for that transition, we have learned that being kindergarten ready goes beyond the academic skills. As parents or caregivers, we can help with the successful transition to kindergarten by:
Establishing strong routines: Kids function better when they have a routine, as they know what to expect and what comes next. When a child enters kindergarten, they will have a routine for the school day. Along these lines, it is important that sleep and night routines are established so that kids get enough sleep for a successful day. Once kindergarten starts, establishing a solid morning routine so that everyone is able to have breakfast and get to school on time is essential.
Helping to develop self-help skills: These are skills that can foster independence and can be part of a routine. Some examples of self-help skills are putting on a coat and zipping it, putting on shoes, and using the bathroom independently. These skills can also help foster independence and responsibility. At dinner time, have your child take the responsibility of setting the table, having ownership and pride in a job well done can help boost his or her confidence.
Learning cooperative play: Being able to play with peers is an essential skill when starting school. Taking turns and sharing all play a big part in this. As a parent or caregiver, you can help your child in learning cooperative play by playing turn- taking games, games that make someone wait until it’s their turn to roll the dice or spin the wheel.
Setting the expectations: When anyone goes somewhere or does something new it can be scary. As much as possible, prepare your kindergartener for what will happen. Attend the open house or conference to meet the teacher. Help pick out school supplies together. Take a tour of the school. Anything you can do to help the situation be less intimidating will have a better result for your child.
With any life transition there is bound to be a learning curve, however with some preparation before the first day at the “big kid school” we hope to make the transition as smooth as possible and have a great year!
Written by: Katie Schlagheck, Extension Educator Family and Consumer Sciences, Ottawa & Sandusky Counties
Reviewed by: Erin Ruggiero, Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences, Medina County