How you can get your Kindergarten child ready for school!

Prepare your child for school. 

Children beginning in Kindergarten should be able to get dressed on their own and use the bathroom on their own.   Help your child prepare for school by allowing them to get dressed on their own.  Set a timer to help your child understand time limits.

Creating skills.

Help your child build motor skills by allowing them to cut paper, play with modeling clay, play catch and practicing tying their shoes.

Help your child develop writing skills.

Encourage your child to color and write ABC's.  Children like to write using different tools whether it is forming letters and words in the sand or using shaving cream.

Teach your child to get along with others.

Show your child how to take turns and share.  Teach them ways to handle disappointments and understand that other people have feelings, too.  You can invite other children to spend time with your child to practice these skills.  Talk to your child about feelings when issues arise.

Help your child develop language skills.

Talk to your child frequently.  You can share a made up story or sing the alphabet.  As you are reading to your child, point out new words.  You and your child can recite rhyming words or fairy tale songs.

Help your child develop reading skills.

Take your child to the public library even if it is time enough to read a story or two.  Show your child parts of the book (beginning, end, title, etc.).  Ready to your child everyday; bedtime is a great reading opportunity!

Help your child develop math skills.

Encourage your child to find patterns in the everyday world.  Count items in the kitchen, grocery story or how many cars pass by your home.  Study the different shapes (triangle, circle, square, rectangle, diamond, star, etc.). Let your child participate in money usage so he/she can learn the value and different types of coins.

Teach your child good eating habits.

Teach your child about health, nutrition and the value of a good night's sleep.  Encourage your child to play and deviate from the video game, cartoon afternoon.

Visit your child's school before school starts.

Visit your child's school before the first day of school.  Lamar Elementary has a "Meet the Teacher" Day before the first day of school.  Bring your child to meet his/her teachers, show your child around the campus, and learn about the curriculum on this day.