For many families, kindergarten is a new step in life, maybe even the first time your child leaves home for an extended time. It can be scary for both caregivers and children. That is why getting children prepared for activities they might encounter in kindergarten is so important.
Starting Feb. 4, JCPL is offering free “Kindergarten Readiness” bags for children entering kindergarten this fall. Pick up a bag at any JCPL branch and enjoy fun kindergarten-ready activities throughout the week. Each bag contains sidewalk chalk, bubbles, a book, an activity, a 2024 Countdown to Kindergarten calendar and book suggestions for caregivers.
JCPL helps kids get ready for kindergarten all year long. We offer programs specially designed for toddlers and preschoolers to interact with each other and learn early literacy tips, social interactions and motor skills they can benefit from before entering kindergarten. All branches offer storytimes and programs like Hop and Bop, Tot Art, Preschool Science and others designed to introduce families to the “Every Child Ready to Read” program.
“Every Child Ready to Read” informs adults how to get their children ready to read. It is not teaching children how to read; it is giving them the skills to be ready to read when going to school by using five practices — reading, singing, talking, writing and playing. During our programs, JCPL offers ideas and suggestions on how to use these practices during a typical day.
Reading: Daily shared reading is the most important activity to help children develop the skills to learn how to read. Begin with a shorter time if your child is younger. Pick up books with your infants to familiarize them with the concept of reading and associate reading with quiet cuddle time.
Writing: Reading and writing go hand in hand. When children see print being used in their daily lives, they begin to understand that there is a connection between printed letters and spoken words. Coloring or painting encourages your child to hold a crayon or pencil. It also helps strengthen their hand muscles to help them hold a pencil.
Singing: Singing with your child helps them learn new vocabulary and slows down language so they can hear the individual sounds and syllables in words. Your child loves to hear the sound of your voice, so don’t worry if you can’t sing!
Talking: Children learn new words and concepts by listening to adults speak and joining in the conversation. Ask your child open-ended questions that begin with who, what, where, when and why to encourage back-and-forth discussions. Talk to your infant and explain little things throughout the day.
Playing: Play allows children to explore and learn about the world around them. Play is the “work” for children, especially imaginative play. During play, children learn social-emotional and gross motor skills that are vital to a child’s development.
You can learn more about getting a child ready for kindergarten and the “Kindergarten Readiness” bags on our website, PageAfterPage.org/kindergarten.
Nicole Caudill is a library assistant at JCPL’s Clark Pleasant Branch. JCPL staff members share in writing this twice-monthly column for the Daily Journal. Send comments to [email protected].
