Getting Ready for Kindergarten Everett Public Schools Academic Year

A Day in Kindergarten

Arrive at School How do children get to school? o Walk o Parents drive o Bus for some areas

Beginning of the Day Put coat & backpack away in personal cubby or locker Beginning of the day routine Breakfast program available

Welcome Time

Calendar Identify day, month and year Weather Patterning Shape identification

Songs, Stories & Fingerplays

Math Numbers Counting objects Patterns Forming groups Shapes Measurements & graphs Solving problems

Literacy Listening & speaking Learning how stories work Beginning writing Sounds of letters and words Being a part of a classroom discussion

Beginning to Read Letters, sounds, rhyming Center activities Read aloud

Beginning to Write Sounding out & writing letters and words Write in different ways - Labels - Children’s own stories - Lists - Journals

Science Learning about living and non-living things 3 units per year o Balls & Ramps o Wood & Paper o Animals 2x2 Asking questions Making observations Using tools to solve problems

Social Studies Understanding of self Working in a group Classroom & school community

Social Skills Following routines Sharing and helping others Recognizing feelings Interacting with children and adults

Recess & Outdoor Play Time to play freely with other children Physical activity Learning to play with others

Computers in the Classroom Drawing programs Kindergarten learning games o Math o Reading o Writing Online audio books

Specialists MusicLibrary Lessons with the Counselor Physical Education (PE)

Your School Main OfficeHealth Room Cafeteria

Food at School Breakfast is available before school Lunch for All-Day Kindergarten Snacks vary by school & teacher Know Student ID number to go through food line Free & Reduced Lunch Applications will be available in September

Self-Help Skills Independently use the bathroom Zip & button coats Blow own nose Put on backpack Clean up small spills Put away materials Ask for help Wash hands

Supporting Your Child’s Success

Family Involvement Reading to your child daily Helping with class projects/work Family events Parent-Teacher Conferences Volunteering PTA

Important Things to Remember Being at school on-time, everyday is important Children learn new things everyday Important information and skills are taught throughout the entire day All children start school at different skill levels

You know your child best. If they are too sick to attend school please keep them home. Check your schools guidelines. Important Things to Remember

Before the First Day… Review the “Getting Ready for Kindergarten Checklist” to see what you and your child can work together on over the summer Choose a few things to do each day Repeat the same items until your child can do them easily and feels successful Make it Fun!

Before the First Day… Develop a home routine Help your child learn their personal information and how to care for him/her self Get supplies ready and labeled (see list for your school) Visit the school Practice drop off and pick up

Additional Support If you have concerns about your child’s development or readiness for kindergarten, please contact: Your School Principal Special Services o Early Childhood Curriculum Specialist, Lynn Lahey o

Spread the word about Kindergarten Registration is happening now Tell your neighbors, family & friends Final information on classes in August

Questions? Check with your school’s principal