MPPFC Parent Page

Ready, Set, Go -
Getting off to a good start in your journey toward Kindergarten

Kindergarten is a huge milestone in your life and in the life of your child. The year before Kindergarten is a great time for you and your child to get ready for this big life event!

Below are some tips to think about as you and
your child begin this journey:

Begin early - Talk with your child about the change that will be coming and allow your child to ask questions
and express fears.
Keep it positive - It's normal for families to feel some anxiety when their child goes off to Kindergarten, but if you can, try to keep it positive when you talk about the change with your child, so that he or she doesn't feel anxious about it as well.
Teach new skills - Use the year ahead to teach your child some of the skills and routines that will be useful in Kindergarten.
Make connections between the adult's in your child's life - If your child currently attends child care or receives special services, talk with your child's teacher or therapist about creating a transition plan for your child. If your child has special needs, set up a meeting with the school principal to discuss how the school staff can best support your child's individual needs.
Take a tour - most schools are happy to have a child come for a short visit to get familiar with the school building and see a Kindergarten classroom. Call the school that your child will attend and set up a time for a visit!
Find out when Kindergarten registration will be held in your county - contact:
Martin County Schools @ 252-792-1575
Pitt County Schools @ 252-830-4200

Tips for Families
Practice these skills with your child until he or she is able to do them ALL by themselves!

Blow nose, cover a sneeze with a tissue
Use the toilet independently
Wash own hands
Snap, button, zipper or belt own pants
Take off and put on coat
Recognize own possessions such as jacket, lunch box,
etc.
Sit at a table to eat
Eat Independently
Use silverware at mealtimes
Eat at regular times during the day
Put away toys when asked
Express thoughts and feelings

Some children with special needs may need help or support materials to do these things. Talk to your child's teacher to figure out a way to make sure that these supports will be provided in Kindergarten.

Fun for Families
Let your child help with household chores such as folding laundry or washing dishes
Understand what can be reasonably expected of children, especially yours
Go to a park
Have printed material everywhere around your home
Don't be afraid to turn off the TV
Bake cookies or cupcakes from scratch
Look at a flower together - up close! Talk about what you see...
Put out plastic containers and lids with small items to move around - this will encourage your child to count, sort, and explore!

Resources for Families

Book
Ready, Start, School!: Nurturing and Guiding Your Child Through Preschool & Kindergarten
by Sandra F. Rief

Websites
Child Development Institute
www.childdevelopmentinfo.com

Smart Start
www.smartstart-nc.org

Check out our LINKS page for additional websites and resources!

Information adapted from
"Ready, Set, GO: A journey to kindergarten calendar"

For your FREE copy, contact
ChildLinks @ 252.758.8885

Please note that copies are limited.

Book Corner

                  Cover Image The Night Before Kindergarten
                                              by Natasha Wing
                                           Age Range: 5-6 years

                                                          Cover Image
                   Look Out Kindergarten, Here I Come!
                                   by Nancy Carlson
              Age Range: For infants or children in preschool