The Journey to Kindergarten

The transition to formal schooling seems huge, but it begins with small preparations. Get a map for the path to kindergarten.

What You Need to Know

To enroll your child in kindergarten requires reviewing the schools in your area, obtaining registration instructions, returning completed paperwork, and attending appropriate meetings. Beyond the requirements, parents should try to connect with other families in the area and learn about their experiences. This is your community for at least the next three years and probably a lot longer.

How You Can Help

At home, you can teach your child about kindergarten in fun ways.

• Reading and Writing. Find books about kindergarten and the first day of school to read aloud and invent activities around the themes. Make up stories about your child’s fabulous first day, drawing great pictures and writing her name on them. Make a journal for the summer leading up to kindergarten, writing simple entries each night before bed and have your child sign them or add a picture.
• Conversations. At dinner each night, pick a kindergarten phrase and have one family member tell a quick, funny story using that word. For example, “principal” becomes your child being called to the office, walking there scared about getting in trouble and arrived to find a party celebrating her with cake and a band.

For more information, please see the full article at:

http://www.education.com/reference/article/Ref_First_Steps_Year/