Kindergarten preparation

Great outline to determine kindergarten readiness and plan activities before your child starts this fall. We are doing a lot of the things but I realized other ways I can be preparing my 5 year old as well as involving and engaging him more during the last few months and summertime before he starts kindergarten in August.

At home preschool activity

We have been lucky enough to participate in the Utah Upstart program with our two oldest children. While I don't always follow through on activities as I'd like, I appreciate the reminder of things I can with him. 

 

Have you had a chance to read “Baby’s Birthday” yet? If not, you can visit www.utahupstart.org/kids-corner/ to read the book with your child. After you’ve read the book with your child, you may want to participate in either or both of the activities below to ensure understanding and enhance your child’s learning experience.

Sum Up—one way to sum up is to answer two questions:

Who is the story about?

What Happened?

In this story, we could ask:

Who had a birthday?

(A baby monkey.)

What happened?

(The baby monkey celebrated his birthday. He received a ball, a balloon, and a bunny. He also had a birthday cake, a bottle, and some bananas.)

Creative Writing—after reading “Baby’s Birthday”, show your child some birthday cards.

Help you child write down some words you might expect to find on a birthday card (e.g., “Happy Birthday,” “I like you,” “Have a fun day”). Place the list of words in your child’s workspace, along with the appropriate paper and writing supplies. Then invite your child to design his or her own birthday card (this activity can be a great creative outlet for your child, as well as something special he or she can do for a special person).