Preparing Your Child for Kindergarten: Part 1

Written By: Barbie Jones, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Early Childhood

Social and Emotional Readiness for Kindergarten

Kindergarten marks a significant milestone in your child's life—one that requires emotional and

social preparation as much as academic skills. Here's how you can help your child develop

these crucial foundations:

Encourage Independence

Foster self-reliance by teaching your child to put on their own jacket, open lunch containers, and use the bathroom independently. These skills build confidence and reduce anxiety in the classroom environment.

Practice Separation

If your child has not spent much time away from you, arrange short separations with trusted caregivers or friends. This helps them understand that goodbyes are not permanent and builds their comfort with new adults.

Teach Sharing and Turn-Taking

Kindergarten involves constant interaction with peers. Play games that require taking turns, practice sharing toys, and help your child understand that everyone gets a chance to participate.

Develop Emotional Vocabulary

Help your child identify and express feelings through words or visual cues. Encourage them to name emotions like sad, happy, or angry, or to point to pictures representing these feelings. Teaching simple phrases such as "I feel sad" or "I'm excited" gives your child tools to communicate needs effectively instead of becoming frustrated and acting out. This emotional literacy becomes invaluable in the kindergarten classroom where they will need to express themselves clearly to teachers and classmates.

Remember, kindergarten teachers do not expect perfection, they are prepared to help children

grow. Focus on progress rather than mastery, and celebrate your child's developing

independence.