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).
Getting Ready
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 them-
selves. 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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