Summertime is a great time to get involved in fun social and learning activities with your child to help him or her get ready for kindergarten. Visit Get Ready Activities and Talk, Read, Play for ideas, and take advantage of the free activities through your 'I'm Going to Kindergarten' readiness materials (see below.)
Transitions can be very challenging for anyone, adults and children alike, especially the transition into kindergarten. Here are a few suggestions that may help:
Create Routines by setting a bedtime and wake-up time, and stick to it. This helps children know what to expect and ensures they get enough rest.
Read Books about going to school, but also continue to read books with your child for pleasure. Read one over and over if your child likes the book. Visit a Storymobile event and your child take a free book home.
Encourage Independence by allowing your child to make certain choices such as 'do you want to wear your purple shirt or the yellow one?' Allow your child to dress him or herself. Teach your child how to open juice boxes and food containers.
PLEASE NOTE:
If your child has been assigned a bus (distances greater than one mile from your home), you will receive bus details in the last half of August, after most assignments have been processed and routes laid-out. If you do not receive an assignment, or have questions about the bus, you can contact BPS Transportation at: (617) 635-9520.
Communicate any address changes to your new school and to BPS by visiting a Family Resource Center with proofs of your new address so that you will continue to receive all the important notifications that are mailed to you.
Your 'Get Ready for School' Checklist
Complete during July to August. The steps you need to take are listed below and all relevant PDFs and links are indicated in orange in the Quick Links box to the right!
- Pick up your FREE “I’m Going to Kindergarten” Countdown t-shirt, readiness DVD, and guide at your local Boston Public Library and enjoy free admission to select activities this summer
- Learn about 'school transportation' on the last page of our 'Information Sheets'
- Finalize any arrangements for before- and/or after-school care if needed
- Purchase 'school uniforms' if required at your child’s school
- Complete the 'Parent Questionnaire' to give to your child's teacher at the start of school to help them to know your child
- Read '10 Ways to Get Ready for Kindergarten'
- Celebrate the entrance into Kindergarten by participating in 'Kindergarten Days' (see Special Notices below)
Special Notices
HELP CONTRIBUTE!
Shop at WHOLE FOODS on Tuesday August 24 and Benefit Countdown to Kindergarten!
Whole Foods’ in two Boston locations will donate 5 percent of their net sales on August 24, 2010 to Countdown to Kindergarten! Shop at any of the following Boston Whole Foods location all day on August 24, 2010
FENWAY: 15 Westland Avenue, Boston, 02115
CHARLES/MGH: 181 Cambridge Street, Boston, 02114
and benefit Countdown.
Last year, Thanks to your support we raised over $12,000!!!!!!
You're Invited!
Countdown to Kindergarten’s 11th Annual Citywide Kindergarten Celebration
FREE for all new kindergarteners and their families.
Boston Children’s Museum
August 31, 2010, 4:30 - 7:30 pm
free parking at the Stilling Street garage and transportation available from Ruggles, Forest Hills, Ashmont and Maverick Station. Buses start boarding at 3:45 pm. Please call 617-635-6816 if you have any questions
DON'T MISS!
Kindergarten Days Parties
Boston Public Schools’ invites new kindergartners, along with their parents or providers, to attend a Kindergarten Days Party being held near you. See our flyer or Special Events Calendar for list of locations and times).
Learn About Our Readiness Programs!
