Kindergarten Readiness

In Federal Way Public Schools, Goal 1 of our strategic plan is that every student scholar will enter kindergarten ready to learn with the social-emotional skills that will propel them to meet or exceed grade-level standards by the end of 3rd grade (Goal 1: The Early Years - Building the Foundation). We hope these resources will support you at home as you work with your child to prepare for their school journey, starting with kindergarten.

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At Home Activities and Resources

DIY Name Puzzles

Recognizing first names is an important skill to focus on getting ready for kindergarten. From the moment a child walks through the door on the first day of school, they will be asked to locate their first name on things like their cubby, table spot and even their seat! Recognizing first names is a very important skill to work on prior to kindergarten! This activity is a simple and quick way to recognize your name and learn the order of letters.

Materials

Paper or notecards
Scissors
Marker
Ziplock bag for storage

Directions

Write child's first name on a piece of paper or notecard, leaving a little space in between the letters.
Use scissors to cut the letters apart, creating a puzzle.
Mix up the letters and have the child put them in order.
Once your child can do this independently, use more paper or a white board to practice writing the name! If your child needs assistance, write their name on a piece of paper or notecard for them to have a model to follow.
Store in a plastice bag for safe keeping!

Playdoh Numbers and Shapes

Using playdoh to create numbers and shapes is a fun way to practice pre-math skills, but it also builds fine motor skills in a child’s hand. Use playdoh that is purchased or make your own with the simple recipe

https://www.thebestideasforkids.com/playdough-recipe/

Directions:

Use playdoh to roll “snakes” of playdoh to create letters and shapes. Once your child can do this independently, use small objects like buttons or tooth picks to count sets of the number and push into the number. See picture. This activity can also be adapted for creating letters!

Practice Social Emotional Skills with Family Interviews

Promoting social emotional skills at home is very important prior to coming to kindergarten. This will give students a solid foundation for learning about self-regulation and emotional literacy. One fun way to do this is by having family interviews! Sit down together, turn off the TV and put the phones away and have conversations about emotions.

What does being happy mean to you?
What makes you happy?
When was the last time you were happy?

Having positive and engaging learning conversations with loving adults is proven to support young children in developing self-regulation and social skills needed to be successful in school.

For more at-home ideas visit-

https://www.edutopia.org/article/resources-promoting-social-and-emotional-learning-home/

Using Fruit for Fine Motor Practice

Fine motor skill development helps a kindergarten student have the strength in the hands and wrists to write, color, cut and other skills needed for success. There are many ways to build fine motor skills at home prior to kindergarten. One way is to practice peeling or opening fruit.

Grapes- have your child pull their own grapes off the vine.
Banana- have your child peel their own bananas.
Orange- have your child use their finger and hand muscles to peel their own oranges.

This will also help support problem solving and communication skills if this can be challenging for your child. Allow them the opportunity to be independent and also learn how to ask for help!

For more at-home ideas visit: https://otperspective.com/household-fine-motor-activities/

Building Independence with Zippers and Buttons

Restroom independence is very important once a child gets to kindergarten. At age 5, children should be working on or fully independent in the restroom especially taking care of their own needs like wiping and zipping/buttoning their own clothes. Please make sure to practice this at home as much as you can prior to your child starting kindergarten for success in the restroom at school!

Here is an article for parents regarding toilet training:

https://www.nationwidechildrens.org/family-resources-education/700childrens/2018/03/6-things-every-parent-should-know-about-toilet-training

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