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Kindergarten Transition

A cartoon drawing of four school aged students holding books says Pre-K Getting Ready 4 School.


Both children and parents/guardians have mixed feelings when faced with a new and unfamiliar experience. Entering school is just that - a new and exciting experience! A healthy, happy attitude toward school is the key to a good beginning. The development of that attitude begins at home.

Your child may have attended a pre-school, nursery or day care program. If not, please help your child to be able to:
  1. State his or her name, address and phone number.
  2. Put on/take off outer clothing (boots, coats, gloves, etc; zippering and buttoning).
  3. Use the bathroom facilities and wash his/her hands.
  4. Practice good basic health habits (teeth, nails, etc.)
  5. Drink from a fountain. Cover his/her mouth when sneezing or coughing. Use paper tissues. Use crayons and scissors.
  6. Cross the street safely. Recognize policemen, firemen, doctors and crossing guards as community helpers.
  7. Follow directions.
  8. Cooperate with other children (wait his/her turn, share classroom supplies, work with others, etc).
  9. Tie his/her shoes.
  10. Listen

To assist your child and the school with making the transition from home to school a good one, parents/guardians are requested to:
  1. Mark all outer clothing with your child's name.
  2. Encourage careful handling of notes, money and other communications.
  3. Speak with the teacher on any known or potential problems.
  4. Provide a backpack for your child. 
  5. Work with the school to create a happy experience for your child. 
  6. Read to your child daily. 
  7. Ensure that your child attends school regularly. 
  8. Encourage your child to speak in complete sentences.

The Aims of the Kindergarten Program:
SOCIAL
  • Work and play cooperatively with others. 
  • Share and take turns. 
  • Express ideas and feelings. 
  • Develop positive attitudes.
EMOTIONAL
  • Accept responsibility and complete tasks. 
  • Express himself/herself creatively in art, music and discussion groups.
PHYSICAL
  • Develop small muscles - cutting, pasting, painting, writing, coloring. 
  • Develop large muscles - skipping, hopping, running games.
ACADEMIC
  • Develop good listening skills and be able to follow directions. 
  • Develop language skills. 
  • Reading readiness - distinguish between alike and different, hear sounds, identify letters, hear rhyming words. 
  • Math readiness - count, recognize numbers, write numbers at least to ten, sort and classify items, understand spatial concepts. 
  • Learn colors and shapes. 
  • Science and Social Studies - learn about the family, neighborhood, community helpers, weather, plants and animals. 
  • Health - safety and care for oneself.