Getting Ready for Kindergarten
Kerri and I recently attended a lecture, put on by Seattle Public Schools about preparing for the wild-and-woolly world of Kindergarten. Chloe will be starting next fall which, quire frankly, scares the crap out of me, but I suppose it’s unavoidable.
In any case, on the off chance that somebody might find some value from the notes I managed to scribble in my pocket-book, I thought I’d share:
What’s Really Important When Starting School?
- Reading and Writing are not required
- Who did what first isn’t important
- Get them to think about colors, patterns and numbers.
- Social and Emotional Readiness is important–things like entering play or handling rejection
- Simple physical stuff like skipping, playing catch, and jumping rope
- Being able to handle multiple directions (first, get this, then open it, and take a bit and put it away)
General Notes and Observations:
- The economics of kids are just crazy. Daycare and preschools making decisions based on economics of class size instead of age appropriate resources
- Critical skills for learning according to Daniel Goleman’s “Emmotional Intelligence”
- Confidence
- Curiosity
- Intentionality
- Self Control
- Relatedness with others
- Capacity to communicate
- Cooperativeness
- Let the teachers do their work, stay out of their business (at least to start)
- Wait at least 6 weeks for the kids to adjust to the new schedule before planning after-school activities - give them time to adjust
- Volunteer to participate in the school’s programs and classes
Tips and Ideas:
- Put a calendar on the wall
- Put a clock on the wall
- Check out “Pick up your socks” - book about developmental growth.
- Join PTA - get involved
To improve your child’s readiness for school:
- Go Play and the playground with them
- Take them to meet the teacher
- Make sure she can do things like open her lunch box
- Find out from the school about things like dressing conventions
- Create a mood as you’re saying good bye to them (excited!)
Questions to ask during school observations:
- What is the cost?
- What are their discipline methods?
- Is there strong evidence of leadership in the principal?
- Are there specialists available?
- What is the expected level of parent involvement?
- Are there any fundraising expectations?
- Does the school have a mission statement? If so, what is it?
- Ask to see other grade levels and classes (a good place to start is 3rd, 5th, and gym class)
- How often does the principal visit the classes?
- How are kids motivated?
- Is there any small-group activity?
