• Communicate concerns and/or expectations with your child’s teacher.

• Foster independence by giving chores:  setting the table, dusting, putting silverware away, etc.

• Follow a daily routine.  Empty backpack and review contents.  Schedule homework, playtime, dinner/conversation, bathtime, shared reading time, and bedtime.

• Write important home/school events on the calendar:  teacher conference, picture day, vacation days, early release days, etc.

• Volunteer in your child’s class/schoolroom or ask what you can do from home.

• Support your child by attending school functions.

• Praise hard work toward completion of projects and learning.

• Read various types of books.  Discuss the author, illustrator and content.

• Nurture, motivate and instill self-esteem in your child.  Listen to your child.

• Taking an active role in your child’s life will help him/her succeed.

2008 Copyright Cedar Valley Publishing, Stacey Kannenberg; Let’s Get Ready For First Grade!

Listen to interviews of Stacey Kannenburg on Heal Yourself Talk Radio

http://healyourselftalk.com/being-more-involved-in-your-childs-education

1. The upper case alphabet out of sequence or mixed up.  Kids will be asked to name the letters listed, such as: B, D, X, K, J, M, O, etc.

2. The numbers to 10, out of sequence or mixed up.  Kids will be asked to name the letters, listed, such as:  2, 5, 9, 8, 1, 3, 4, etc.

3. Kids will be asked to identify basic colors: red, orange, yellow, green, blue and purple

4. Kids will be asked to identify basic shapes: circle, diamond, rectangle, triangle, oval and square

5. Kids will be asked to identify basic coins: penny, nickel and dime

6. Counting objects to 10

7. How far they can count to 100
As the year progresses, Kindergartener’s will need to know both upper and lower case letters and numbers to 30, out of sequence.  More colors and shapes will be added including hexagon and octagon and more coins such as quarter and dollar.  Children need to know their name, address and phone number and be able to get dressed for outside play and use the bathroom independently, to make that first year a success!

2008 Copyright Stacey Kannenberg, Cedar Valley Publishing, Author of Let’s Get Ready For Kindergarten and Let’s Get Ready For First Grade!

Listen to interviews of Stacey Kannenburg on Heal Yourself Talk Radio

http://healyourselftalk.com/being-more-involved-in-your-childs-education

• You are your child’s first teacher and most important role model!

• Let your child see you read and learn.

• Build your child’s vocabulary by explaining and discussing everyday activities.

• Turn travel, meal, bath and bed time into learning time.

• Read, read, read and read some more!  Make it part of your daily routine.

• When reading with your child, sit side by side or have your child sit on your lap, in a comfortable, quiet area.

• Use your finger to explore the book’s pages (left to right, top to bottom).

• Visit the zoo, library and museum.  Ask questions and make learning fun!

• Always have paper, pencils, crayons, glue and scissors readily available.

• Encourage good hygiene at home and at school, including proper bathroom habits, washing hands, blowing nose and covering mouth when coughing or sneezing.

• Lay out clothes, make lunch, organize school folder and assemble backpack the evening before school.

• Discuss positive solutions for problems that might occur, such as bullying, teasing, bathroom accidents, etc.

• Make sure your child gets the required 10-12 hours of sleep and a nutritious breakfast.

• Before entering school, update immunization records and schedule hearing, vision, dental and physical exams.

• Nurture, motivate and instill self-esteem in your child.  Listen to your child.

• Taking an active role in your child’s life will help him/her succeed!

Copyright 2008 Cedar Valley Publishing, Stacey Kannenberg; Let’s Get Ready for Kindergarten!