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What kindergarten educators hope that families know before the first day of kindergarten...
What kindergarten educators hope that families know before the first day of kindergarten...
Academics are not the priority right now...independence is.
Academics are not the priority right now...independence is.
Before entering kindergarten, it's essential for children to develop independence skills because these abilities help them confidently navigate the school environment and daily routines. Skills like dressing themselves, managing personal belongings, following simple directions, and using the restroom independently allow children to focus more on learning and social interaction. When children can perform basic tasks on their own, they build self-confidence and a sense of responsibility, which sets a strong foundation for academic success and positive relationships with educators and peers. Encouraging independence at home helps ease the transition to school and fosters a smoother, more successful start to their educational journey.
Here is a list of things that you may do and practice at home with your child to support their growing independence:
Here is a list of things that you may do and practice at home with your child to support their growing independence:
Let your child practice doing things by themselves (e.g. taking shoes on and off, zipping their jacket, opening lunch containers, wiping themselves after the bathroom, packing and unpacking their backpack).
Let your child practice doing things by themselves (e.g. taking shoes on and off, zipping their jacket, opening lunch containers, wiping themselves after the bathroom, packing and unpacking their backpack).
Teach your child to advocate for themselves (e.g. "I need help.", "Stop. I don't like that.", "I'm not feeling well.", "Can I play with you?").
Teach your child to advocate for themselves (e.g. "I need help.", "Stop. I don't like that.", "I'm not feeling well.", "Can I play with you?").
Practice and model social skills with adults and other children (e.g. taking turns in games, winning and losing in games, waiting in line, sharing, using kind words).
Practice and model social skills with adults and other children (e.g. taking turns in games, winning and losing in games, waiting in line, sharing, using kind words).
Practice and model basic hygiene (e.g. sneeze/cough into an elbow, washing hands, blowing their nose, wiping themselves after the bathroom, closing the bathroom door).
Practice and model basic hygiene (e.g. sneeze/cough into an elbow, washing hands, blowing their nose, wiping themselves after the bathroom, closing the bathroom door).
Work on creating daily routines (e.g. consistent early bedtimes, daily morning routines, practice eating lunch within a 25 minute time frame).
Work on creating daily routines (e.g. consistent early bedtimes, daily morning routines, practice eating lunch within a 25 minute time frame).
Read! Read! Read! Reading to and with your child daily will help to support their vocabulary development, comprehension and build a life long love for reading. Build in a daily reading time with your child to support this learning.
Read! Read! Read! Reading to and with your child daily will help to support their vocabulary development, comprehension and build a life long love for reading. Build in a daily reading time with your child to support this learning.
Separation anxiety is normal and typical (for both children and families!) The best thing for your child if they have separation anxiety at drop off is to do a quick goodbye. We will be there to support them in this transition.
Separation anxiety is normal and typical (for both children and families!) The best thing for your child if they have separation anxiety at drop off is to do a quick goodbye. We will be there to support them in this transition.
Kindergarten is the best place to be—it's where children begin a wonderful journey of learning, friendship, and discovery. Supporting their growing independence before they start helps make this exciting transition smoother and more enjoyable. When children can do things like follow directions, manage their belongings, and take care of basic needs on their own, they feel more confident and ready to learn. These skills not only help them adjust to the classroom routine but also allow them to fully participate in all the fun and learning that kindergarten has to offer. We appreciate all that you do to support your child's independence and we can't wait to have them join our classrooms!
Kindergarten is the best place to be—it's where children begin a wonderful journey of learning, friendship, and discovery. Supporting their growing independence before they start helps make this exciting transition smoother and more enjoyable. When children can do things like follow directions, manage their belongings, and take care of basic needs on their own, they feel more confident and ready to learn. These skills not only help them adjust to the classroom routine but also allow them to fully participate in all the fun and learning that kindergarten has to offer. We appreciate all that you do to support your child's independence and we can't wait to have them join our classrooms!
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