While you are waiting for your child to (finally) start kindergarten next fall or in the future, there are plenty of valuable teaching opportunities to try both at home and out in the community. “Parents and educators are partners on a mission to help each child grow into their full potential,” says Jill McGovern, kindergarten co-teacher at Santa Catalina Lower and Middle School.
The San Carlos School has a two-year team, including transitional kindergarten teachers Mrs. Money and Mrs. Searle and kindergarten teachers Mrs. Hayden and Mrs. Santiago. Some key items that the San Carlos School team recommends parents work on with preschoolers are talking about letters and their sounds; counting to 10, 20, or higher; and identifying shapes, colors, and numbers in everyday life.
PRACTICING SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL SKILLS
They also urge parents to practice social and emotional skills, such as talking about feelings, practicing how to ask for help, and practicing following simple two-step directions. Shanna Kiesz, kindergarten teacher at DeLaveaga Elementary adds that other crucial “soft” skills that parents can cultivate are practicing waiting for your turn and practicing what to do when an adult tells you “no.” “I know, that doesn’t make school sound very fun, but transitioning from home into school can sometimes surprise students—not everything is a negotiation,” shares Kiesz.
EXPLORING COMMUNITY LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
Vanessa Krabacher, kindergarten teacher at Santa Catalina Lower and Middle School, is also a parent preparing her own child for school next year. “Our local libraries not only have a wealth of books, but also offer fun programs and events that double as bonding opportunities for parents and their children,” she says. She appreciates that these programs naturally encourage social interaction as well as manners and problem-solving.
Beyond library programs, tailored options to get out and about with preschoolers include local sports teams like Tiny Troops soccer (18 months to five years old), affordable parent and child classes like those at Parents’ Place in Pacific Grove (age-based classes from 0 months to three years old), various community playgroups, and Monterey Peninsula Unified School District’s (MPUSD) free transitional co-op/playgroup classes for kids aged three years old and under. MPUSD’s program includes fun activities and field trips and is open to kids from Monterey, Marina, and Seaside. Children learn a lot from being around other children and adults, and parents typically enjoy some camaraderie and gain insight as part of the experience.
THE POWER OF READING ALOUD
Krabacher and McGovern from Santa Catalina agree that reading aloud to a child is the single most impactful activity that parents can do before kindergarten. “Books inspire the imagination and teach children about the rich diversity of the world,” they add. Monterey Peninsula Unified School District suggests creating a home bookshelf, hosting family reading night, choosing books instead of screen time, and encourages reading to younger siblings.
ENCOURAGING ACTIVE AND IMAGINATIVE PLAY
Active play is also important. “Giving students time for imaginative play, strengthening fine motor skills, and developing core strength are important: This can be as simple as finding opportunities to play in the mud, riding their bikes, and playing on the bars!” urges Chrisa Burr, kindergarten teacher at Westlake Elementary. “Dance, sports, and gymnastics classes are great introductions to group settings. Additionally, free movement and exploration in local parks encourage children to practice social skills, such as sharing, problem-solving, and turn-taking,” enthuses McGovern (Santa Catalina). Her students really enjoy “moving our bodies to learn.”
SUPPORTING INDEPENDENCE WITH SELF-CARE SKILLS
The top recommendation from an experienced transitional kindergarten/kindergarten teacher from Santa Cruz County schools is working together on learning independent potty skills at home. “Encourage them to practice pulling pants up and down on their own, wiping as best as they can, changing independently when accidents happen, washing hands thoroughly, and managing clothing like buttons or belts. These small skills help build confidence and help children feel comfortable and successful during the day,” suggests Meghann Finn, transitional kindergarten teacher at Gault Elementary.
LEARNING TOGETHER THROUGH EVERYDAY TASKS
Plenty of everyday tasks also provide opportunities for both learning and bonding. Krabacher and McGovern (Santa Catalina) encourage including children in kitchen activities: “Mixing ingredients can give your child an entire math lesson!” Textures, colors, and flavors also offer an exciting sensory experience, even before the food is ready to eat. Then once it is, using manners, practicing eating together at a table, and helping clean up your place afterwards are great opportunities to prepare for meals at kindergarten and beyond.
EMBRACING THE JOURNEY TO KINDERGARTEN
And no matter which activities you try with your child this winter, congratulate yourself on another season doing the tough and rewarding work of parenting a preschooler. Make the most of this winter by incorporating fun and approachable learning options to support your almost kindergartener.
MORE TEACHER TIPS:
1. MESSY PLAY
“Play that provides opportunities for kids to get their hands dirty really helps kids’ development,”
says Burr (Westlake Elementary).
2. INTENTIONAL TOYS
Puzzles, memory games, and LEGOs are great toy options designed to build problem-solving skills that are suggested by Krabacher and McGovern (Santa Catalina).
3. MUSIC
Lydia Mansour, Santa Catalina’s director of prekindergarten and kindergarten teaches music to the pre-K and kindergarten classes. She encourages parents to sing made-up songs about daily experiences to make learning fun. “We use music to teach everything from phonics, math and number sense, and social-emotional skills,” adds Mansour.
4. SENTENCES
“Practice listening and repeating simple sentences. This can make a big difference for a successful start in school!” says Kiesz (DeLaveaga Elementary)
5. HANDWASHING
An appropriate follow-up to messy play, both Kiesz (DeLaveaga Elementary) and Finn (Gault Elementary) urge independent handwashing practice.
6. SENSORY BINS
“We love sensory bins as a fun and interactive way to incorporate learning,” says Krabacher (Santa Catalina). Practice letters and numbers with sand and shaving cream.
7. STEM
The Santa Catalina team also recommends simple science experiments and building projects using toys and things around the house. This encourages curiosity about how the world works while teaching observation and problem-solving. McGovern (Santa Catalina) notes that Pinterest has excellent ideas.
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