1. Welcome to Kindergarten Round-Up 2013 Federal and State Programs Special thanks to OA Peterson Elementary School Fort Worth, Texas for their PowerPoint ideas and information

2. Registration Complete the necessary paper required by your school. Familiarize yourself with the office area and personnel so that you feel comfortable in communication. Know the names of the language facilitator, guidance counselor, parent coordinator/liaison and administrator. Ask for a calendar for the school year.

3. Practice with your Child at Home Fine motor skills: cutting, coloring, lacing, holding a pencil Counting objects Sorting, creating and recognizing patterns Recognizing alphabets and sounds Managing bathroom needs Independently buttoning pants, shirts, coats, tying shoes, and zipping zippers Writing and knowing their full name, address, phone number, and birthday Reading with your child every night The school rules, just like there are rules at home Good listening skills, not interrupting, sharing, and good manners

4. Adjusting to the First Days of Kindergarten Starting School is Exciting: Buy a new back pack, lunch box, or school shoes together and make it a big deal! They are now BIG boys and girls! Involve them in some of the decisions to give them ownership over going to school such as what to wear each day.

5. Adjusting to the First Days of Kindergarten Saying Goodbye  Make your goodbyes cheerful and brief. Try to avoid coming back to the classroom after you have already said goodbye. Some children respond well to a planned ritual (example: 2 hugs and a thumbs up). “Quick goodbyes leave dry eyes!”

6. Adjusting to the First Days of Kindergarten Responding to Distress/Tears: Do not scold the child’s distress or fear. Remain positive that you will see them at the end of the school day. Remind them how they will make new friends, play at recess, etc. Tell them what you will be doing while they are at school; at work, grocery shopping, etc. Avoid letting them see you sad , children of all ages can sense when adults are scared, worried or upset.

7. Home Ideas for Adjusting to School Big Building, More children: Some children express anxiety of the unknown such as, a new environment and making new friends. Pep talks at home: “You’re so lucky you get to go to a brand new big school. Who have you met? Have you seen your brother or sister in the hallway?”

8. Home Ideas for Adjusting to School Help your child write a letter or draw a picture for his/her teacher. Review the school and classroom rules at home with your child, feel free to let them ask questions. Talk to your child about their concerns. If necessary, bring them up with the teacher or school counselor. We are here to help!

9. Home Ideas for Adjusting to School Plan a play date - find a new friend of your child’s, get to know the family and plan some play time. Play the name game - have your child draw pictures and write the name of the people they know at school. Make an “All-About-School” Booklet - about their favorite part of each school day. Draw a Home-to-School Map - create a poster, of how they get to school. This could be a fun family project!

10. Academics and Curriculum Get familiar with the Kindergarten curriculum and what is expected of your child by the end of the year. Practice at night and on the weekends to reinforce what they are learning at school. They grow so much both academically and socially in only one year!

11. Academics and Curriculum The Gift of a Good Book: Try to read with your child every day! Books help children build vocabulary, learn concepts of print, develop listening skills, and enjoy reading! After you read a book - talk about the characters, their favorite part, new words they learned and words they already know! Lead by example, let them see you reading. Get ideas from the school book list!