Every year, I look forward to two big events: Kindergarten round-up in the spring and the first day of school in the fall. I love seeing the excitement of students as they start their next chapter. As a kindergarten teacher for Christa McAuliffe Academy, a K-8 school in Wichita Public Schools, I need your help for our young learners to be ready to succeed from day one.
1. Attend kindergarten round-up (May 2, 2019 for Wichita Public Schools)
Start creating excitement for the transition to kindergarten by attending your school’s kindergarten round-up. This is your first chance to meet the school’s kindergarten teachers, principals and other support staff. It is your student’s first chance to explore their new school so they’re less nervous in August. Find your neighborhood school and its round-up details at www.usd259.org.
2. Teach core skills in a fun way
You can start using purposeful play with your children at any age. The summer leading up to kindergarten is a prime opportunity to work on the skills they’ll use most in their first year with us. For letter recognition, try putting the magnetic alphabet on your refrigerator. Move letters from one side to the other as they learn them to create a fun, visual representation of progress. For numbers, any game that uses numbered dice can help young kids start connecting the dots between numbers and actions.
3. Read every day
When you read with your child 20 minutes each day, they will hear almost 2 million words each year. Spend a few minutes every day to show how exciting it’s going to be when they learn to read. Ask lots of questions to spark their curiosity and imagination. Visit the library to check out new books and story times. Visit www.readwiththem.org for more ideas on how to make reading an important part of your child’s life.
4. Work on self-help and fine motor skills
As kindergarten teachers, we work with children at many stages of development. You can help us spend more time on reading, writing and math by working with your students on self-help skills before they join us. This includes things like tying their shoes and buttoning and zipping coats. Also practice holding a pencil, writing their name and cutting with scissors. Review Liz’s post on Fine Motor Skills for fun ways to do this.
5. Create excitement for this next chapter
The first day of kindergarten can be emotional for parents and students. You can help make the first day a smooth transition by showing your excitement for their new adventure, that they get to learn something new every day and meet new friends. Be their cheerleader that day, at least until you’re out of their sight!
As teachers, we promise to focus on laying a solid academic, social and emotional foundation for learning. Your students will learn to share and work together. They’ll feel pride in themselves and build confidence. Together, we’ll prepare your students to be future ready, empowered to dream, believe and achieve!
Cathy Boote has spent 35 years teaching in the Wichita Public School system. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Wichita State University and her Master of Arts degree in Education from Baker University. She was a semi-finalist for the 2018 Kansas Teacher of the Year, a recipient of Wichita Public School’s Distinguished Classroom Teacher Award, and a recipient of the KAKE Golden Apple Award.
Cathy brings an infectious positive attitude to her classroom and building. She has taken on many leadership roles throughout her career. One of her favorites included serving as Family Engagement Coordinator to bridge the gap between home and school. Cathy firmly believes that effective parent/teacher communication leads to student success.
