Ready for Kindergarten
Kindergarten is a big milestone for children and families. We hope these tools and resources help make this journey easy and fun for you and your child.
Ready for Kindergarten, Prepared for Life
Being ready for kindergarten is much more than learning ABC’s and 123’s. -And did you know, it begins at birth? Being ready is about developing strong social-emotional skills including curiosity, persistence, and self-regulation. As your child’s first teacher you play a vital role in developing these skills that will last their lifetime.
What does kindergarten readiness look like?
How can I help my child get ready for kindergarten?
Play with your child. Follow their lead in their play activities, ask them about what they enjoy.
Read with your child. Allow them to choose books. Model reading by following the words with your finger. Ask questions about the story. Sit together. Closeness supports co-regulation and empathy.
Move with your child. Whether indoors or out, movement benefits brain development, relieves stress, and makes our bodies healthier.
Talk with your child. Ask them what’s on their mind, about something that made them laugh, a worry they might have.
Explore and investigate with your child. Children are natural scientists who are interested in how things work. Count together, sort together, dig in the dirt together, drop rocks in the puddles together and see what happens!
Register in the spring! Keep an eye out for registration opportunities in the spring before your child goes to kindergarten. Registering early helps both your child and their school be ready prepared on the first day.
What does kindergarten readiness look like?
Being able to listen and respond to stories and books
The ability to express wants, needs, and interests
The ability to follow directions, simple rules and routines
The ability to calm my body and control my impulses
The ability to dress myself and manage my bathroom needs
How can I help my child get ready for kindergarten?
Play with your child. Follow their lead in their play activities, ask them about what they enjoy.
Read with your child. Allow them to choose books. Model reading by following the words with your finger. Ask questions about the story. Sit together. Closeness supports co-regulation and empathy.
Move with your child. Whether indoors or out, movement benefits brain development, relieves stress, and makes our bodies healthier.
Talk with your child. Ask them what’s on their mind, about something that made them laugh, a worry they might have.
Explore and investigate with your child. Children are natural scientists who are interested in how things work. Count together, sort together, dig in the dirt together, drop rocks in the puddles together and see what happens!
Register in the spring! Keep an eye out for registration opportunities in the spring before your child goes to kindergarten. Registering early helps both your child and their school be ready prepared on the first day.
Transitioning to Kindergarten
Take some time during the weeks leading up to kindergarten to help your child adjust to this big change.
Try some or all of these strategies:
Try some or all of these strategies:
- Talk with your child about kindergarten. Giving them information about the kinds of things that will happen during the day helps put their mind at ease and build enthusiasm. Talk about how they will meet new people and how school buildings are set up differently from home. Share some positive memories about your kindergarten experience.
- Visit the school they will be attending. Even if the school is not yet open, making a visit and walking around the grounds will help your child become familiar with where they will be going.
- Establish a clear bedtime and morning routine. Routines help your child adjust to the regular schedule of school and puts them at ease with what to anticipate. (parent tip: try packing all of part of their lunch the night before to cut down on your list of things to do in the morning)
- Check in with your child. Ask them how they are feeling about this big change. Are they feeling excited? Nervous? Let them know that all of these feelings are normal and healthy to express.
- Remind your child of their strengths. Remembering ones strengths can help them navigate new experiences.
- Many children need down time at the end of their day after kindergarten begins. Build this into your family routine. This will help your child recharge after their day and provide space for them to process their new experiences.
Register for Kindergarten
Visit the Juneau School District Website to register your child. On their site you will find the forms you’ll need, how to determine which school your child will attend, and information about bus routes and food service.
Be sure to register BEFORE school begins. This helps the district be better prepared to receive your child and helps you and your child know what to expect.