Kindergarten Transition
Getting ready for Kindergarten
We are so happy to have your kiddo join Battle Creek! Kindergartners (and their grownups) are likely excited, yet nervous, about this big transition. Here are some resources that may be of use as you and your kiddo navigate this important milestone.
The National Association for the education of Young Children (NAEYC)
The NAEYC's website has a collection of articles on school readiness. I've linked some of them here:
VIDEOS FROM SALEM-KEIZER PUBLIC SCHOOLS
The below videos were created by our district years ago and can be found on the SKPS webpage on Kindergarten Registration and Readiness. Fun fact: the kiddos in the Let's Get Ready for Kindergarten video are now in the ninth grade!
Is Your Child School Ready?
Here are some important skills you can help your child practice before starting kindergarten.
Social-Emotional Skills
I can use kind words.
I can share how I am feeling: "I feel ..."
I can share and take turns with others.
I can ask someone if they would like to play.
I can ask others if I can join a game.
Self-Management Skills
I can follow rules, routines, and simple directions.
I can wait for my turn to speak.
I can pack away an activity when I am done.
I can look after my own belongings.
Motor Skills
I can use the bathroom and wash my hands by myself.
I can open, close, and carry my backpack.
I can blow and wipe my nose.
I can hold and use a pencil, crayon, and scissors correctly.
Academic Skills
I can write my name with correct capital and lowercase letters.
I can identify the letters of the alphabet.
I can count up to at least 10 and identify numbers through at least 10.
I can identify basic shapes and colors.
...AND most importantly, a positive mindset!
Just like the article Readiness: Not a State of Knowledge, But a State of Mind explains, the most important thing is that your child has an open mind about learning and trying new things!
I am excited to go to school, even though I may have lots of other feelings about it too!
I like to learn new things.
I like to try new things.
Books About Kindergarten
Reading books with your child is a great way for them to learn about what a day in kindergarten will be like and see that other kids may be feeling the same way they do about starting school (excited, happy, nervous, sad, or all of the above!). While there are many books out there about transitioning to kindergarten, these are some of my favorites. It's a good idea to preview a book by listening to or reading it before sharing it with your child. That will help you find the books that best fit your child's needs!
The King of Kindergarten
In The King of Kindergarten by Derrick Barnes, a confident boy has a wonderful first day of kindergarten, getting to know his teacher and befriending his classmates.
Kindergarten is Cool
Kindergarten is Cool! by Linda Elovitz Marshall introduces kids to various aspects of kindergarten, including class routines, recess, lunch, and making friends.
Our Class is a Family
Our Class is a Family by Shannon Olsen explains to kids how classrooms are a type of family - it's okay to be yourself, to make mistakes and learn from them, and to give and receive kindness and respect.
ALL Are Welcome
All Are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold celebrates diversity and lets young readers know that no matter where they are from, what they wear, or what they look like, all are welcome at school.
Miss Bindergarten Gets Ready for Kindergarten
In this rhyming story by Joseph Slate, while Miss Bindergarten gets her classroom ready for the first day of school, her 26 students are getting ready for their first day.
Look Out Kindergarten, Here I come!
In this story by Nancy Carlson, Henry is excited for kindergarten and all the fun things he will learn and do. When the first day comes, he feels anxious to leave his mother, but after looking around his classroom, he regains his excitement.
The Pigeon Has to go to school
The Pigeon HAS to Go to School! by Mo Willems humorously address many worries kids may feel about heading off to school.
The Kissing Hand
In this classic by Audrey Penn, Chester does not want to go to school, worried he will miss his mother. She knows a way to let him know she is always with him, even when they are apart.
First Day of Groot
In First Day of Groot by Brendan Deneen, Rocket takes Groot on his first day of Groot. It's a little like school in that Groot learns about sharing, counting, spelling, and the importance of teamwork. A cute story for Marvel fans of all ages!
A Place Called Kindergarten
In A Place Called Kindergarten by Jessica Harper, a little boy's barnyard friends heard that he is going off to kindergarten. They spend the day wondering what that means, and upon his return, he tells them what he learned that day.
Resources from Sesame Street and PNC
Sesame Workshop and PNC worked together to create videos and activities in English and Spanish geared toward kids ages 4-6 and their families. Here is a link to their latest project, Growing Together: Ready for School and Beyond, and some videos from this collection.
A Day in the Life of a Kindergartner
The Very First Day
Making New Friends
Classroom Rules
Teacher Talk
All About Recess
Morning Routines
Resources from Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood
The Back to School collection from Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood includes videos and support materials for kiddos and their grownups all about heading to school, having routines, saying goodbye in the morning, and making and problem solving with friends.
