Countdown to Kindergarten
Events
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Saying Sorry
Countdown to KindergartenWhy it’s important: Apologizing helps repair relationships and builds social awareness. How to do it: Model sincere apologies and guide your child to say sorry when appropriate. What to look for: Understands when to apologize Uses appropriate language Shows empathy
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Personal Space
Countdown to KindergartenWhy it’s important: Respecting personal space prevents conflicts and promotes safety. How to do it: Teach “bubble space” and practice keeping hands and bodies to self. What to look for: Maintains appropriate distance Keeps hands to self Responds to reminders
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Group Play Rules
Countdown to KindergartenWhy it’s important: Group play requires cooperation and understanding shared expectations. How to do it: Play games with simple rules and reinforce fairness. What to look for: Follows group rules Participates appropriately Handles wins/losses
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Understanding School Expectations
Countdown to KindergartenWhy it’s important: Kindergarten classrooms have clear expectations for behavior, routines, and participation. When children understand what is expected of them, they feel more confident and are better able to […]
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Following Adult Directions
Countdown to KindergartenWhy it’s important: Children in kindergarten need to be able to listen to and follow directions from teachers and other adults. This skill supports safety, learning, and participation in daily […]
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Staying Calm During Frustration
Countdown to KindergartenWhy it’s important: Frustration is a normal part of learning, but children need tools to manage it appropriately. Being able to stay calm helps children continue learning and avoid disruptive […]
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Practicing Kindness
Countdown to KindergartenWhy it’s important: Kindness helps build friendships and creates a positive classroom environment. Children who show kindness are more likely to form strong peer relationships. How to do it: Encourage […]
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Building Patience
Countdown to KindergartenWhy it’s important: Patience is essential in a classroom where children must wait for turns, materials, and attention. Developing patience helps reduce frustration and improves behavior. How to do it: […]
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Practicing Empathy
Countdown to KindergartenWhy it’s important: Empathy allows children to understand and respond to the feelings of others. This skill supports friendships and conflict resolution. How to do it: Talk about how others […]
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Teamwork Practice
Countdown to KindergartenWhy it’s important: Many kindergarten activities involve working together. Teamwork helps children learn cooperation, communication, and shared responsibility. How to do it: Engage in activities that require working together, such […]
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Social Skills Review
Countdown to KindergartenWhy it’s important: Reviewing skills helps reinforce what children have learned and strengthens their ability to use those skills independently. How to do it: Revisit activities from earlier in the […]
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Read a Book About School
Countdown to KindergartenWhy it’s important: Reading books about school helps children understand what to expect and reduces anxiety about starting kindergarten. How to do it: Choose a book about starting school and […]