by Regina (3-5’s parent)
It feels like yesterday we held our newborn in our arms. Tomorrow we’ll be sending them off to Kindergarten with their backpacks and lunch boxes in tow. Yes, clichés are welcome. As I shake off my sentimentalism, our 3-5’s Kindergarten Readiness topic gave me the opportunity to share and listen to everything from worries and fears to excitement and anticipation. Did you know there are about 2,000 days from when a child is born to when s/he starts kindergarten? For new-timers, we may not be aware of the choices or the questions that lie ahead. Such questions of “Is my child ready?” to “Which school is best?” allow me to divulge in a few tidbits from our parent meeting on Kindergarten Readiness. #kinderchatignite.
The Million Dollar Question: Is my child ready?
There’s no one-size-fits-all pile. It’s more of what you, as a parent, and other essential individuals in your lives feel best for your child. The most obvious requirement is that your child is age 5 before August 31st of that school year. You often see “checklists” for Kindergarten-Ready Children. While that may trigger anxiety in parents, it is fundamental “Kids gather the building blocks for school readiness long before they enter a kindergarten classroom. From birth, children need to be read and talked to, cuddled and hugged. They need access to medical care and healthy food to eat. They need places to run, jump, pretend and use their creativity.” (from thrivewa.org) When considering being “ready”, you must think of the core skills needed: healthy, capable and eager to learn. Having the ability to listen, the desire to be independent, play with others, and strong fine-motor skills come a close second. The rest are details. What was emphasized over our worries of our children not knowing the full alphabet, or their colors and comparing one child’s skills to our own, (we all are guilty of it!) is research that states that from Kindergarten through third grade, the majority of children will be making weekly progress towards mastering what we now know. As this discussion allowed our group to find comfort in our shared uncertainties, we were reminded of every child’s uniqueness of learning at their own pace. “Let it Unfold”, as Teacher Allison would say. Right now, our children can learn so many things simply through playing, exploring and reading with you. It’s never too early to give your child a lifelong love of learning!
Which School?
Choices, choices, choices. Having a first-time Kindergartener in the fall, who knew there were so many options?! Of course, it all depends on the school district you are in. Here’s the 411: Neighborhood Schools (Also known as Attendance area): this is the school you are automatically assigned to. For Seattle Public Schools, the boundary you live in determines where your child will be guaranteed a spot. However, you can apply to any school, but won’t get in if those who live within the school boundaries fill it up first. Choice Schools (also known as Lottery): After your child is registered for school, you may apply for School Choice during the Open Enrollment period. This is your opportunity to apply to have your student attend a different attendance area school, an option school, or programs such as Montessori, Spectrum, and Highly Capable (formerly APP). For SPS, open Enrollment is typically near the end of February. If you are applying to a Choice School, be sure to get a hand-stamped receipt for your application paperwork! Private School policies vary, so check their websites for details. Tours often happen in the fall, and applications are due the first part of the calendar year. Now that we’ve differentiated between the schooling options, Good Luck!
Our experienced 3-5 parents shared the relevance of open houses, and tours. There, you can inquire about the school itself as what you see with your own eyes when you visit a school is most crucial. Such questions as how big, how crowded, if the school itself provides free- and reduced-price breakfast and lunch programs, parental involvement and principal philosophy are extremely helpful. Some schools also have a specific curriculum i.e. a specific focus on STEAM, Arts, and Community immersion programs if that’s a criteria of yours.
When all is said and done, here are some helpful tips to discuss with, ask and do to prepare your future kindergarten student:
- I feel comfortable with the school I’ll be attending.
- I’ve gotten to visit my new school building, walk around and use the restrooms there.
- I know where my classroom is.
- I know where the playground is.
- I know where the school office is, and what I can go there for.
- I know where I’ll be dropped off and picked up each day.
- I know what to expect on school days.
- I know what time I’ll go to bed and what time I’ll get up on school days.
- I know I’ll have a healthy breakfast each morning, either at home or at school.
- I know where my bus stop is.
- I know some of the rules of my new classroom.
- I am excited about starting kindergarten.
- My parents listen to my feelings about starting kindergarten, and help me answer the questions I have.
- My parents show me every day that learning is fun!
- I know I will meet children who are different from me and I will make new friends.
- I know my parents are excited about me starting kindergarten.
- They read to me every day at home.
- They help out with school activities if they can.
- They attend teacher-parent meetings if they can.
- They have made sure my health records are up-to-date.
- They encourage me to think of solutions when I have a problem.
- They explain to me that families have their own traditions and celebrations.
- They invite friends over to my house so I know how to play with other children.
Here’s to Kindergarten!