Preparing Pre-schoolers for Kindergarten During the Summer
- begugenia
- Jul 2
- 2 min read
Summer is the perfect time to help your pre-schooler make a smooth and confident transition into kindergarten. While the idea of starting school can feel exciting—and a little overwhelming—for both children and parents, these sunny months offer a relaxed, playful window to build important skills and routines. Let’s turn summer into a season of joyful growth and kindergarten readiness!
Getting pre-schoolers (or rising kindergarteners) ready for kindergarten during the summer is all about helping them build confidence, routines, and skills so they start the school year feeling prepared and excited.
Here’s a focused list of practical tips:
1. Establish a School-Like Routine
Regular wake-up and bedtimes: Get used to the earlier mornings.
Practice mealtimes: Mimic school lunch/snack times and encourage eating independently.
Limit screen time: Replace with hands-on play, reading, and conversation.
2. Build Independence Skills
Encourage your child to:
Use the bathroom without help (including wiping and hand washing) .
Dress themselves (zippers, buttons, shoes).
Unpack and repack their backpack.
Open lunch containers or snack wrappers.
3. Read Together Daily
Talk about story structure: beginning, middle, end.
Ask questions like “What do you think will happen next?”
Let them retell stories or “read” them to you.
4. Practice Basic Academics
You don’t need worksheets—just fun, simple activities:
Letter recognition (especially in their name).
Counting to 10 or 20.
Identifying colors and shapes .
Drawing lines, circles, and simple people.
5. Boost Communication & Social Skills
Practice introductions: “Hi, my name is…”
Take turns in conversation and play .
Role-play school scenarios (asking for help, sharing, lining up).
6. Promote Fine Motor Development
Prepare for writing and cutting by:
Drawing with crayons .
Using child-safe scissors .
Playing with playdough .
Stringing beads or doing puzzles.
7. Get Familiar with the School
Visit the building/playground if possible.
Talk about what a typical day might be like.
Read books like:
Kindergarten, Here I Come! by D.J. Steinberg
The Night Before Kindergarten by Natasha Wing
Planet Kindergarten by Sue Ganz-Schmitt
8. Talk About Feelings & Change
Discuss both excitement and nervousness.
Create a goodbye ritual (like a hug, handshake, or secret handshake).
Use visuals like a “first day countdown” or photo book of school.
9. Make Back-to-School Exciting
Let them help pick school supplies.
Decorate a homework or reading corner at home .
Celebrate the first day with a family breakfast or special note in their lunch bag.
Would you like a writting practice or fun learning activities you can do at home to support these skills?
Follow these links: https://a.co/d/gSq6Wak
Disclaimer: The tips and activities shared in this article are intended for general informational purposes only. Every child is unique, so always consider your child’s individual needs and consult a pediatric professional if you have concerns about their development.
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