The countdown to kindergarten is on, and with it comes an exciting new chapter in your child’s learning adventure! At the Early Learning Coalition of Sarasota County, we’re here to help your little one feel confident and prepared, so we’ve rounded up five simple yet powerful tips you can easily implement at home. These will pave the way for a smooth transition into school and ensure your child is ready to thrive in the classroom and beyond!
- Encourage Independence
Help your child practice self-care routines like washing hands, brushing teeth, and getting dressed. Encourage them to take on small tasks at home, such as setting the table or feeding a pet. These activities strengthen a child’s ability to follow one and two step instructions and build confidence and readiness for classroom routines. - Read Together Daily
Reading with your child for at least 15 minutes every day helps foster a love for books and enhances their early language and literacy skills- which are crucial for school readiness. Create a cozy reading spot, unplug from distractions, and enjoy storytime together. - Promote Playtime
“Play” is the cornerstone of preschool learning and early childhood development. In fact, that’s exactly why we say, “It’s Okay to Play in VPK!” Engage in creative activities like singing, dancing, and being silly with your child. Play games together. This helps children express emotions, strengthen problem solving skills, foster empathy, boost confidence, build vocabulary, and even teaches impulse control and patience.
- Develop Social Skills
Arrange playdates or group activities to help your child learn to share, take turns, and interact with peers. These experiences with children around the same age prepare your child for the busy, social environment of kindergarten. - Foster a Love for Learning
Make learning fun by incorporating educational activities into everyday life. Count objects, ask open-ended questions, explore nature, or do simple puzzles. Encouraging curiosity and a positive attitude towards learning set the stage for future academic success.
Creating a supportive and nurturing home environment is key to helping children reach their full potential as they take a milestone step into “big school.” Simple, everyday actions can have a big impact on their readiness.
At the ELC, we administer the state’s local Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK) program. It allows all Florida 4-year-olds to access FREE preschool, regardless of family income. The program is designed to build a solid foundation for kindergarten and future learning success. Eligible children must turn 4 years-old on or before September 1st of the current school year. However, depending on the child’s birthdate, parents can choose to delay enrollment until their child is 5.
Click here for more details on VPK!
Questions? Email us directly at info@elcsarasota.org
