Tom Wilson Elementary Kindergarten Information Night Spring 2018

Exciting New Experiences Kindergarten marks the beginning of exciting new experiences for your child. Interacting with new people New settings and activities More structure and focus on learning   Spend time speaking with your child about these new, exciting experiences!

What every parent wants to know… ”Is my child ready?” Personal and Social Readiness Fine and Gross Motor Readiness Communication Readiness Basic Cognitive Readiness

Personal & Social Readiness Uses the bathroom independently Dresses self and buttons/snaps shirts and pants and zips zipper Knows own age and birthday Separates from parents easily Responds appropriately to adult authority Pays attention for short periods of time to adult-directed tasks Demonstrates self-control Completes tasks willingly Gets along well and shares with others Takes turns when playing with friends Shows an interest in learning and coming to school

Fine & Gross Motor Readiness Uses crayons, scissors and glue correctly Holds and writes appropriately with a pencil Traces basic shapes Can cut various lines Can put on shoes and coats without help Throws, catches or bounces a large ball

Communication Readiness Speaks clearly and communicates needs Uses phrases and complete sentences Can say his or her full name, address and phone number - including area code Knows parents’ first and last names Follows spoken directions and rules Listens without interrupting

Basic Cognitive Readiness Identifies basic colors Shows an interest in books and learning to read Identifies some alphabet letters Produces some letter sounds Understands positional words such as up, down, over, under, beside Begins to write name in print Colors and “writes” (tries to write letters and numbers) Identifies some numbers and counts to 20

Preparing for the New School Year Help your child prepare for this exciting school year by: Making sure he or she is receiving plenty of rest Meals should be nutritious and unhurried Encourage your child to be polite and to state feelings Provide numerous opportunities for experiences with books Help your child begin practicing writing his or her name correctly

A Typical Day in Kindergarten Calendar/Circle Time Whole Group Language Arts/Reading Small Group Guided Reading and Literacy Stations Writing Handwriting Lunch Recess Specials (PE, Music or Art daily) Whole Group Math Small Group Guided Math and Math Tubs Snack Developmental Centers Science/Social Studies Library/Computer Lab (once a week)

Transportation Children can walk, ride a bike, take a bus, go to a Daycare, attend YMCA or ride in a car Teachers supervise children each day during arrival and dismissal Please try to keep the mode of transportation consistent day to day…Children get stressed and confused when it changes We have included a School Bus Readiness bookmark to help prepare your children for riding a school bus

The First Day of School Talk about the first day of school in encouraging terms Answer any questions or address any concerns your child may have Arrive on time, but not too early Leave cheerfully ~ Please do not linger Make sure your child has all of their needed supplies Keep a positive attitude…If you look forward to the first day of school your child will too

Plan to be Active in School Active involvement in your child’s school will help answer many of your questions and help your child feel better about entering school.   Join the PTA Volunteer to help at school Attend school events, parent conferences, and meetings Contact your child’s teacher if you have questions or concerns

How to Show Your Interest Asking your child about his or her favorite school activities Reviewing papers and information that come home Signing up for e-News at the Parent Information Center at katyisd.org Listening and asking questions about what your child says about school

Lisa Terbrock TWE School Nurse

Registration Thursday, April 19th 9:00 am – 11:00 am 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm