Kindergarten

Handwriting

Our school uses the D’Nealian Handwriting Program. The numbers 0-9 and most of the lowercase or small letters are written with one continuous stroke. Therefore, your child should not lift the pencil from the paper, except when writing a number that has more than one digit or a letter that has a cross stroke or a dot. By using the D’Nealian Handwriting Program your child will find it easier to make the transition from manuscript to cursive.

When helping your child write, we encourage you to use the D’Nealian alphabet and numbers. We have included the following web site link for your convienence: www.handwritingworksheets.com

Reading Schedule

Kindergarten Kids- Kindergarten is a special time for your child. We want to make this experience the best possible. “Kids come first!”

Communication

Communication between home and school is very important. If you need to talk to us, please call the school or send a note. We will get back to you as soon as we can. Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns regarding your child’s education. We will make every effort to meet with you and discuss your concerns.

Safety

Your child’s safety is top priority. We take every precaution when your child is in our care. Please send a note with your child or call the school before 2:30 if he or she is to go home a different way or on a different bus. Also, if someone other than a parent is picking up your child, a note is needed. Without a note, your child will go home in the usual way.

Fire, Tornado Drills, Etc.

Your child will participate in frequent drills throughout the year. We will practice the procedures before our first drills so that your child will be prepared.

Handwriting

We use the D’Nealian Handwriting Program. You can print your own practice worksheets on the web site provided in the Handwriting section above.

Homework

Your child will come home with parent/child activities throughout the year. Please read, listen, practice with your child and return required work to school on time. At this age, your child is eager to learn new things and feels “grown up” when doing homework.

Music

We have a scheduled music time every day.

Library

We have a scheduled library time every week. Kindergarten students check out one book from the library. They need to return that book before the next week in order to check out a new book. You will be charged a replacement cost for any lost or damaged book.

Physical Education

We have a scheduled physical education class daily. Your child will need to wear tennis shoes every day for this class. Weather permitting, your child will go outside for this class in the fall and spring.

*We suggest no dress shoes, flip flops, sandals, etc. during the year as changing shoes for Phy. Ed. takes away from instructional time.

Clothing

Please dress your child in comfortable clothing that is appropriate for kindergarten. It is a good idea to label all coats, sweaters, etc.

Recess

Your child will go outside after lunch every day, weather permitting. Please dress your child appropriately for the weather. Remember, we live in Minnesota and the weather especially in the winter, can change quickly.

Birthdays

Birthdays are very important to children. You may bring a class treat to school on your child’s birthday and your child will pass it out at snack time.

Snacks

You will need to send a healthy snack to school every day for snack time. Due to food allergies, likes and dislikes, etc. we find this works the best for all. The only exception to this is birthday treats. Your child will not be allowed to share their daily snacks with others. This helps to eliminate the spread of nasty germs!

Toys

Toys from home are not allowed unless they are brought for show and tell.

ZZZ’s

Your child should get plenty of rest each night. Kindergarten students require 10-12 hours of sleep a day. It is so important for your child to be alert and ready to learn each day. Set a bedtime and be consistent.

We rely on you to help us make your child’s education the best ever!
Thanks for all you do!

To have complete success in formal schooling your child should be able to master 4 out of 5 of the skills in each area of development listed below.

Language Development

• Uses the following consonants correctly at the beginning and end of short words by age 5: p b m n t d k g f v y.
• Speaks in sentences of 6 or more words.
• Listens well and follows directions.
• Recites words to songs and poems from memory.
• Recalls main idea and order of events in a simple story.

Concept Development

• Identifies basic shapes: circle, square, triangle, rectangle.
• Identifies and counts numerals 1-10.
• Identifies six or more colors.
• Gives his/her full: name, age, address, telephone number.
• Classifies common objects into categories according to size, shapcolor, etc.

Physical Skill Development

• Throws a ball overhand with direction; catches a ball.
• Jumps, hops, and balances on one foot for 10 seconds.
• Persists and completes simple puzzles.
• Prints some letters and first name.
• Uses crayons and scissors with control on straight and curved figures.

Personal & Social Development

• Shows independence – dresses, washes, zips, buttons, ties.
• Completes tasks.
• Plays competitively and cooperatively.
• Shows pride and self-confidence.
• Communicates with most adults and children.

• Minnesota Parent Center
• Starfall
• IXL Math
• PBS Kids
• Kindersite
• Fun 4 The Brain
• Learning Planet
• Language and Math
• funschool.kaboose.com/arcade
• scholastic.com
• rhyming games
• ABC ya
• Number Nut
• ict games
• Handwriting
• Cookie
• gpb kids
• Mr. Thorne Does Phonics
• Studyladder
• Reading Bear