Kindergarten Readiness

Help your child develop writing skills. Here are several enjoyable ways you can encourage your child to write.

Pay attention to signs. Road signs are a great way for children to experience the usefulness of print. Try to read signs aloud: "Stop, S-T-O-P. That red sign tells me to stop the car."
Make lists together. Make and use shopping and things-to-do lists. Let your child hold the list and use a pencil to mark off items as you shop or work.
Set up a play office. Preschoolers love to collect and use old office supplies. Help your child set up a place where he or she can "work" at pretend writing.
Create note cards. Help your child make greeting cards, thank-you notes or get-well cards. He or she will see that you can express feelings through writing. Readiness tips from Scholastic Pre-K Today

What is kindergarten readiness?

You might think that it's most important for children to start kindergarten knowing their ABCS, number, shapes and colors. But there are equally, if not more, important skills that prepare your child for success in school.

Raising an eager learner is the goal, and it can be achieved through play and day-to-day activities. Here are the top readiness skills that kindergarten teachers look for:

Excitement toward learning
Talking about thoughts and feelings
Listening to others
Desire to be independent
Playing well with others and taking turns
Following simple instructions
Ability to hold and use a pencil or crayon
Recognizing numbers and letters

ABCs of Kindergarten is a booklet that is chock full of kindergarten information and readiness activities. You'll also find a book list, information about getting involved in your school, and a calendar of kindergarten and "get ready" tips. Available in all languages.

Ready Set Connect to Kindergarten is a booklet with activities you and your incoming kindergartner can do together. Here is a favorite: Go on a letter search. Look in old magazines and newspapers. Circle the G's, H's and I's. Use a crayon to write the letters on a piece of paper. Available in all languages: Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, Russian, Somali. This booklet was created by the Multnomah County Commission on Children, Families, and Community and Portland Public Schools with funding from United Way.

Kindergarten Readiness Links

Oregon Department of Education's Ready, Set, Grow is a 12-month calendar of activities to help families prepare children for an exciting year in kindergarten.
Multnomah County Library is the place to visit with your child. This site has information about library storytimes and the summer reading program. Don't miss their list of favorite books for preschoolers.
Scholastic's Kindergarten Website has interesting information on the skills kindergarten teachers hope your child will have in September.

Kindergarten Readiness

Fun Ideas for Writing Together