Each child reacts to change differently.  While some embrace it and want the independence of walking into the classroom on their own, others may not want their parents to leave.  Regardless of how your child reacts to the new school setting, your child's teacher is ready to help him/her adjust to their new classroom. Here are some things you can do to help your child prepare for kindergarten.

 

• Read to your child every day.

              Local libraries are a wonderful resource for finding engaging reading material.  Some favorite books revolving around kindergarten are Miss Bindergarten Kindergarten books,  Countdown to Kindergarten, The Night Before Kindergarten, Kindergarten Rocks and First Day Jitters.

 

• Schedule a school tour with our K-3 assistant principal. You can call, (814) 237-9727, or email, confer@yscp.org.

 

• Attend some of our events that are open to the public.

               Check our facebook page and school website for any upcoming events.

 

• Bring your child to our Kindergarten Orientation in May. 

               You will be given more information regarding this after the lottery has taken place.

 

• Attend the Open House and Ice Cream Social in August.

 

• We encourage you to bring your child to play on the school playground during hours when school is not in session. 

 

•  Play games together to help your child learn how to: play cooperatively, take turns, and lose gracefully.

 

•  Sing the alphabet song together.

 

•  Count everyday objects together. 

              For example, count toys as they put them away.

 

•  Encourage your child to embrace their creativity by coloring, drawing, and creating works of art using tools such as: pencils, paint, markers, scissors, glue, etc.

 

• When writing and drawing, encourage your child to hold the tool properly and start all letters, numbers, and shapes at the top of the line and go down with left to right directionality. 

              Another good activity would be to have your child practice copying shapes.

 

• Have your child practice writing his/her name.

 

• Practice becoming independent with self-help skills: using the bathroom, washing hands, blowing his/her nose, sneezing and coughing into his/her arm (not hand), and dressing (buttons, zippers, snaps, and buckles).

 

• Go shopping for a school back pack and lunch box.