Getting Ready for Kindergarten

Talk, Sing, Play, Read every day

• You are your child’s first and best teacher!
• Follow your child’s lead as they play.
• Talk and read with your child in their first language.
• Help your child learn to share, take turns & respond to “stop”.
• Encourage your child to make choices & decisions.
• Embrace opportunities for your child to play with other children.

Promoting Independence:

• Create daily routines
• Ensure that your child can manage their own backpack
• Help your child learn to put on and off shoes/jackets
• Ensure your child can open and close their lunch kit and containers
• Your child should be toilet trained and understand how to use a public washroom

Healthy Media Use:

• Minimize screen time to no more than 2 hours per day … this includes iPads/iPods, looking at your phone, television, movies etc.
• Know what your child is watching.
• Avoid using media to manage your child’s behavior. While it can be calming … this should not be the only way your child knows how to calm down.

Sleep and Nutrition:

• Practice a school appropriate bed-time and morning routine at the end of summer.
• The Kindergarten day is long, and there are more expectations than a day spent at daycare.
• Pack a healthy lunch and snacks. Try to avoid processed foods and sugary snacks. Use re-useable containers.
• Send water rather than juice boxes.

Embrace Time Outdoors:

• Spend unstructured time in nature.
• Prepare your child to be outdoors in all types of weather.