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X-WR-CALNAME:The Children's Council of Watauga County
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X-WR-CALDESC:Events for The Children's Council of Watauga County
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DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260405
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260406
DTSTAMP:20260528T133002Z
CREATED:20260421T193618Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260528T133002Z
UID:10000315-1775347200-1775433599@thechildrenscouncil.org
SUMMARY:Clean-Up Song Party – Race the music to put toys away
DESCRIPTION:Why it’s important:\nIn kindergarten\, children are expected to clean up materials before transitioning to the next activity. This builds responsibility\, respect for shared materials\, and understanding of classroom routines. \nHow to do it:\n Play a fun clean-up song and make it a game to see how much can be cleaned before the music stops. Give simple directions like “let’s put all the blocks in the bin.” Work alongside your child at first\, then gradually step back. \nWhat to look for: \n\nParticipates in clean-up willingly\nPuts items in correct places\nCleans up with fewer reminders over time
URL:https://thechildrenscouncil.org/event/clean-up-song-party-race-the-music-to-put-toys-away/
CATEGORIES:Countdown to Kindergarten
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260404
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260405
DTSTAMP:20260528T132948Z
CREATED:20260421T193431Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260528T132948Z
UID:10000314-1775260800-1775347199@thechildrenscouncil.org
SUMMARY:Jacket Station – Play “arrival time” and hang up jackets like at school
DESCRIPTION:Why it’s important:\nManaging personal belongings is a daily expectation in kindergarten. Children are responsible for taking off and hanging up jackets\, which supports independence\, organization\, and responsibility. \nHow to do it:\n Set up a designated “jacket station” at home using a hook or chair. Practice a simple arrival routine: come in\, take off shoes if needed\, remove jacket\, and hang it up. You can model first\, then let your child try. Repetition helps this become automatic. \nWhat to look for: \n\nHangs up jacket with minimal help\nRemembers where items belong\nBegins doing this without reminders
URL:https://thechildrenscouncil.org/event/jacket-station/
CATEGORIES:Countdown to Kindergarten
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260403
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260404
DTSTAMP:20260528T132932Z
CREATED:20260415T173727Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260528T132932Z
UID:10000313-1775174400-1775260799@thechildrenscouncil.org
SUMMARY:Shoe Race
DESCRIPTION:Why it’s important:\n Transitions in kindergarten happen quickly—lining up for recess\, returning to class\, or preparing for dismissal. Children who can independently put on their shoes are more confident and less likely to feel rushed or frustrated during these moments. \nHow to do it:\n Invite your child to a “shoe race\,” but keep the tone light and pressure-free. Demonstrate how to check left vs. right shoes and how to open\, place\, and secure them (Velcro or slip-on is ideal at this stage). You can race together or simply time them and celebrate improvement. Practice regularly rather than expecting perfection. \nWhat to look for: \n\nAttempts independently before asking for help\nPlaces shoes on correct feet\nFastens shoes with increasing ease\n\n  \n 
URL:https://thechildrenscouncil.org/event/shoe-race/
CATEGORIES:Countdown to Kindergarten
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260402
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260403
DTSTAMP:20260528T132905Z
CREATED:20260415T171819Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260528T132905Z
UID:10000312-1775088000-1775174399@thechildrenscouncil.org
SUMMARY:Bathroom Independence Challenge
DESCRIPTION:Why it’s important:[Text Wrapping Break] Kindergarten classrooms require full bathroom independence. Teachers cannot assist with wiping or managing clothing\, so children need to feel confident completing all steps on their own. Mastery of this skill reduces anxiety\, prevents accidents\, and supports a child’s dignity and confidence in a school setting.  \nHow to do it:[Text Wrapping Break] Frame this as a “big kid superhero mission.” Walk through each step: going into the bathroom\, using the toilet\, wiping thoroughly\, flushing\, adjusting clothing\, and washing hands. Give your child time to try independently\, even if it takes longer. Offer gentle reminders instead of stepping in right away. Normalize mistakes and reassure them that learning takes practice.  \nWhat to look for:  \n\nCompletes the full routine independently \n\n\nManages clothing without help \n\n\nRemembers to wash hands afterward 
URL:https://thechildrenscouncil.org/event/bathroom-independence-challenge/
CATEGORIES:Countdown to Kindergarten
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260401
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260402
DTSTAMP:20260528T132530Z
CREATED:20260409T213903Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260528T132530Z
UID:10000310-1775001600-1775087999@thechildrenscouncil.org
SUMMARY:Bubble Handwash Game
DESCRIPTION:Why it’s important:\nHandwashing is a foundational health and independence skill in kindergarten. Children are expected to wash their hands multiple times a day without direct assistance. Proper handwashing reduces the spread of illness in classrooms and helps children stay healthy and present for learning. Beyond hygiene\, this skill also builds routine-following\, sequencing (first soap\, then scrub\, then rinse)\, and independence. \nHow to do it:\nTurn handwashing into a sensory and playful experience. Tell your child the soap creates “germ-fighting bubbles” and challenge them to cover every part of their hands. Model each step slowly: wet hands\, add soap\, scrub palms\, backs\, between fingers\, thumbs\, and nails. Sing a song together to ensure they scrub for at least 20 seconds. After rinsing\, show how to dry hands completely. Over time\, step back and let your child lead the process. \nWhat to look for: \n\nRemembers most steps without prompting\nScrubs for an appropriate length of time\nBegins initiating handwashing independently
URL:https://thechildrenscouncil.org/event/bubble-handwash-game/
CATEGORIES:Countdown to Kindergarten
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