Getting ready for the first day of school

Welcome to Mrs. Gillam's Kindergarten classroom blog.  This blog was designed to keep parents informed and help maintain a strong relationship between parent, student and teacher. I will put information on here about what we are working on pedagogically and how you can help set your child up for success.
I look forward to seeing you at our school's Open House on Friday, August 28.  Please remember to bring all of the supplies and materials from your child's Kindergarten supply list labeled with your child's name.
There are some great websites out there about how to better prepare your child for Kindergarten.  Some of my favorites - that I will be doing with my son, were:

• Take your child out for a picnic (with their lunch box packed like it would be for school).  You and your child can discuss what foods get eaten first, what are the snacks, and make sure that he or she can open all the containers and packing.
• Play 'I spy with my little eye...' to practice colors, vocabulary, turn taking.
• Read stories - have your child 'read' the story to you.  Your child is not expected to read the words, but should be able to invent the story using the pictures.
• Practice the 'school day' morning routine.  Get up at the right time, have your child get themselves ready, eat breakfast, brush teeth, put on back pack, and either go outside to pretend to wait for the bus or drive to the school.  

Children feel safer and less stressed when they are set up for success.  Talking about the first day is great, but actually practicing the first day will help your child feel more confident and more relaxed because they've actually done it before!   Enjoy your last few days of summer vacation together!