kindergarten News

 Welcome to kindergarten!  We look forward to getting to know you and your kindergartener when we meet this coming August.

We are excited to have your student coming to Runyon Elementary! All students learn and grow at their own pace.  Here are a few suggestions to help prepare your child for kindergarten. Please note that these are just suggestions and it is okay if your child is unable to master some of these skills prior to the start of school. 

What we would love to see! 

• Use of fine motor skills (outside of technology); this could include playing with legos, playdough, coloring, cutting, drawing, and writing name

• Reading to your child daily makes a huge difference in their ability to focus, socialize, and early literacy skills.

• Regular meal times - a perfect time to practice taking turns when talking and sharing stories

• Regular bedtime routines (research shows young children benefit from 9 hours of sleep each night)

• Listening and able to follow directions from adults outside of family members (preschool, coaches, other parents during playdates)

Personal Skills 

• Use the restroom independently (We are unable to assist with wiping and dressing. If your child has an accident he/she will be assisted by the school nurse and/or guardians will be contacted. If your child has a medical requirement for the bathroom please contact the school health assistant.)

• Wash their hands independently

• Get dressed on their own (but still may need help with buttons, zippers, and shoelaces. Please continue to work towards independence with buttons, zippers, shoes, and snow boots throughout the school year)

• Can zip and unzip their backpacks

• Can carry their own backpack

• Know and can say their first and last name and age

• Open snack containers. 

• Manage lunchbox and be able to clean up after themselves (Kindergarten paras will support students in the cafeteria)

• Blow their nose and use tissues independently

Academics 

• Read to your child every night

• Identify first name and be able to write first name 

• Practice holding a writing utensil (this can include pencils, crayons and markers)

• Know basic shapes (square, rectangle, circle, triangle) and colors 

• Identify some letters of the alphabet and sounds 

• Count from 1-10

• Identify some numbers from 1-10

• Use scissors appropriately

Social/Emotional Skills 

Kindergarten is the year when students learn their special place in a community. At home, we encourage families to talk with their child about positive school behavior. 

• Is open/willing to try to solve conflicts with peers

• Practices skills to manage anger/frustration (i.e. takes space, asks for a hug, breathing techniques, using words instead of actions)

• Share with friends (even when it’s really hard)

• Separate from parents/caregivers without getting overly upset

• Show self control - keep all body parts to themselves

• Take turns speaking, listen to others, and raise their hand when they want to share

• Sit and listen to stories 

• Use a quiet voice inside the classroom

• Be kind to everyone 

• Seek adult help when needed