Getting Ready
Writing It is normal for children entering kindergarten to show an interest in writing, scribble writing or stringing random letters together. Provide materials such as crayons, chalk, markers, pencils and paints, to help your child explore with print. Handwriting guidelines can be found on the back of the alphabet placemat( distributed at registration).
Engage your child in looking for and recognizing words in print, while reading, shopping, waiting at a clinic, or riding in a vehicle. Make sure that your child is able to recognize his or her own name in print, and begins learning to write it prior to kindergarten. You may wish to start by providing a visual example, labeling your child’ s personal belongings around your home.
recall simple story details of who, what, where and when. Ask him or her to pick out rhyming words, or to think of a word that rhymes with one of the words from the story.
Kindergarten students are eager to learn to read themselves. You can help set the stage for emergent reading by making sure that your child can recognize his or her name and the upper and lowercase letters in print. You can do so by chanting the alphabet chart( distributed at registration) on a daily basis. In addition, encourage your child to begin associating sounds with each letter. You may also wish to explore the many interactive games that can be found on the Internet by searching for“ alphabet games.” Alphabet practice and strides prior to kindergarten will bring your child success in both reading and writing.
Communication skills Talking is one of the most important things you can do with your child, as it helps to connect the spoken and written word. Engage in conversations with your child on a daily basis; while doing things like taking a walk, shopping in a store, visiting a zoo, or eating in a restaurant. The experiences will result in memories, which will provide a rich stimulus for kindergarten writing. Encourage your child to initiate or carry on conversations, by practicing the following steps when speaking or being spoken to:
• Take turns talking.
• Listen carefully to the person speaking.
• Ask others to share their thoughts and ideas.
• Look at the person speaking
• Respecting others by not interrupting.
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