Review School Skills
2026-07-28
Why it’s important:
Reviewing reinforces learning and builds confidence.
How to do it:
Practice multiple skills learned throughout the month.
What to look for:

Demonstrates multiple skills
Needs less support
Shows readiness

Talk About Kindergarten
2026-07-29
Why it’s important:
Talking about school helps children feel prepared and reduces anxiety.
How to do it:
Discuss what kindergarten will be like and answer questions.
What to look for:

Expresses thoughts about school
Asks questions
Shows curiosity

Practice a School Day
2026-07-30
Why it’s important:
Practicing a full routine helps children understand expectations.
How to do it:
Act out a full school day with routines and transitions.
What to look for:

Follows routine
Transitions smoothly
Shows understanding

Elevated Dads
2026-07-30 17:30 - 19:15, 2026-08-06 17:30 - 19:15, 2026-08-13 17:30 - 19:15 (America/New_York) | The Children’s Council (Conference Rm) – 225 Birch St
This weekly Dad meet-up is an opportunity for fathers to gather and hang out with other male caregivers. The purpose is to share thoughts, questions, and concerns while building their community. This Circle of Parents group will meet weekly and offer free childcare and a meal!
The group is held on site at the Children’s Council on Thursday evenings from 5:30-7:15PM. Email us at info@thechildrenscouncil.org for more information.

Celebrate Readiness
2026-07-31
Why it’s important:
Celebrating progress builds confidence and excitement.
How to do it:
Reflect on what your child has learned and celebrate with a special activity.
What to look for:

Shows pride
Expresses excitement
Feels confident

Say My Full Name
2026-08-01
Why it’s important:
Knowing and confidently saying their full name helps children identify themselves to teachers and school staff. It is also important for safety, attendance, and building independence.
How to do it:
Practice saying your child’s full name during everyday moments. Turn it into a fun game by asking, “What’s your full name?” or pretending to check in for school.
What to look for:

Says full name clearly
Responds when name is called
Shows confidence when sharing

Know My Age
2026-08-02
Why it’s important:
Knowing their age helps children answer simple questions and builds self-awareness and confidence.
How to do it:
Ask your child their age regularly and practice answering in a complete sentence (“I am five years old”).
What to look for:

States age correctly
Answers confidently
Understands the concept of age

Know My Birthday
2026-08-03
Why it’s important:
Knowing their birthday supports personal awareness and helps with basic communication at school.
How to do it:
Practice saying the month and day of their birthday. You can sing it, write it down, or connect it to a memory (like a party or season).
What to look for:

Recalls birthday with support or independently
Recognizes it when mentioned
Shows understanding over time

Babes on Blankets
2026-08-03 10:30 - 12:00, 2026-08-10 10:30 - 12:00, 2026-08-17 10:30 - 12:00 | The Children’s Playhouse
Babes on Blankets is a Circle of Parents weekly support group for parents of children ages 0-4 years (childcare available). At Babes on Blankets, you can connect with other parents who are experiencing similar challenges, concerns and questions about their little one. Each week, parents will be able to share and discuss their current concerns and joys, and also learn about one of many parenting topics focused on the first year of life and beyond. Bring a friend and meet some new ones too. Meets weekly on Mondays from 10:30 am – 12 pm at the Children’s Playhouse. For more information and/or to register, please contact Allison Rollans at allison@thechildrenscouncil.org or call The Children’s Council at (828) 262-5424.

Talk About My Feelings
2026-08-04
Why it’s important:
Being able to express feelings helps children communicate needs, build relationships, and manage emotions in a school setting.
How to do it:
Check in throughout the day by asking, “How are you feeling?” Encourage your child to use feeling words and explain why.
What to look for:

Uses a variety of feeling words
Connects feelings to experiences
Communicates emotions clearly

What If I Need Help?
2026-08-05
Why it’s important:
Children need to know what to do if they feel confused, hurt, or need assistance at school.
How to do it:
Role-play situations where your child might need help. Practice asking a teacher for help and identifying trusted adults.
What to look for:

Knows to go to a teacher or adult
Uses appropriate language to ask for help
Shows confidence in seeking support

The Postpartum Circle
2026-08-05 11:30 - 12:30, 2026-08-12 11:30 - 12:30, 2026-08-19 11:30 - 12:30 | Boone Unitarian Universalist (381 E King St, Boone, NC 28607, United States)
The Postpartum Circle is open to parents who are pregnant or with babies up to the age of 18 months. This includes biological and adoptive parents. We offer a nonjudgmental, supportive environment for you to share your experience, strengthen coping strategies for mental health and wellness, and connect with other families. This group meets in person every Wednesday from 11:30-12:30 PM at Boone Unitarian Universalist Fellowship. The group is free. and childcare and lunch are provided! Contact Sophie for more information at sophierudisill@thechildrenscouncil.org.

Lunch Routine Practice
2026-08-06
Why it’s important:
Lunch in kindergarten is often fast-paced. Children need to manage eating and cleanup independently.
How to do it:
Practice sitting down, opening containers, eating within a set time, and cleaning up afterward.
What to look for:

Eats independently
Manages time appropriately
Cleans up after eating

Open All Food Items
2026-08-07
Why it’s important:
Children must be able to open their own food so they can eat without frustration or delay.
How to do it:
Practice opening common lunch items like containers, wrappers, and drink bottles.
What to look for:

Opens most items independently
Tries before asking for help
Shows persistence

Pack & Unpack Backpack
2026-08-08
Why it’s important:
Managing a backpack is part of daily school routines and builds responsibility.
How to do it:
Practice putting items into a backpack and taking them out. Show your child how to keep things organized.
What to look for:

Packs and unpacks independently
Keeps track of belongings
Shows responsibility

Asking for Help at School
2026-08-09
Why it’s important:
Children need to advocate for themselves in a classroom setting.
How to do it:
Role-play asking for help in different situations. Practice using clear and polite language.
What to look for:

Uses appropriate phrases
Seeks help when needed
Shows confidence

Calm My Body
2026-08-10
Why it’s important:
Self-regulation helps children manage big emotions and stay engaged in learning.
How to do it:
Practice calming strategies such as deep breathing, counting, or taking a break.
What to look for:

Uses calming strategies
Recovers from emotions more quickly
Shows self-control

Talk Positively About School
2026-08-11
Why it’s important:
Positive attitudes toward school reduce anxiety and build excitement.
How to do it:
Talk about fun parts of school—making friends, playing, learning new things.
What to look for:

Expresses excitement
Talks positively about school
Shows curiosity

ITS SIDS
2026-08-11 18:00 - 20:00
ITS SIDS

To give childcare providers an overview of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Identify the SIDS risk factors and describe ways to reduce the risk of SIDS in childcare. Discuss the requirements of NC laws that require placing infants on their back to sleep, keeping documentation and having a Safe Sleep Policy.

Read a First-Day Book
2026-08-12
Why it’s important:
Books about starting school help children understand what to expect and feel reassured.
How to do it:
Read a story about the first day of school and discuss what happens.
What to look for:

Engages in discussion
Asks questions
Relates to the story

Play & Learn Group
2026-08-12 11:30 - 12:30 | Watauga County Public Library (140 Queen St, Boone, NC 28607, United States)
Our group schedule typically includes free play, group time (story time and songs included!), and snacks before departure. Play groups are a wonderful way to bond with your child through intentional play, but also a great space to connect with other caregivers! These groups focus on children aged birth through five years old.

Practice a Full School Day
2026-08-13
Why it’s important:
Practicing a full routine helps children feel prepared and reduces first-day anxiety.
How to do it:
Act out a full school day, including morning routine, activities, lunch, and transitions.
What to look for:

Follows the routine
Transitions smoothly
Shows understanding of expectations

Review My Skills
2026-08-14
Why it’s important:
Reviewing reinforces all the skills learned and builds confidence before the first day.
How to do it:
Practice favorite activities from previous months and highlight progress.
What to look for:

Demonstrates independence
Shows confidence
Uses multiple skills together

I’m Ready for Kindergarten! 🎉
2026-08-15
Why it’s important:
Celebrating readiness builds confidence and helps children feel proud and excited about starting school.
How to do it:
Celebrate with a special activity, certificate, or family moment. Talk about how much your child has grown and what they are looking forward to.
What to look for:

Expresses pride and excitement
Feels confident about starting school
Shows readiness across skills
