As the summer rolls along, many parents are eagerly anticipating the arrival of their child's kindergarten year. While it's natural to feel excited and nervous about this significant milestone, preparing your child for kindergarten can make a huge difference in their transition to this new stage.

The transition to kindergarten is also a significant milestone for parents and guardians. Afterall, this is a little human that you have been watching over closely during the infant, toddler, and preschool years. Every adult faces this milestone differently, but the important thing is to keep your strong emotions to yourself so that your upcoming kindergartener doesn’t take on your adult feelings.

Early in the summer is also the time to solidify your before and/or afterschool plans. At Children’s Lighthouse Early Learning Schools, we begin preparing for fall programming with our xSTREAM Quest® curriculum as soon as the summer program begins! You should do the same because the last thing you want is to have limited choices for school-age child care.

In June, many families are focusing on summer vacations and activities, but this is a valuable time in a fall kindergartener’s life. “Push down education” has even affected this first step into your child’s life-long formal education. New kindergarten-age children are expected to come to the classroom with a certain skill set such as knowing most of their alphabet letters, proficiency at self-help skills, and having the social skills to participate in a learning community. 

Let's explore some essential tips for preparing your child for kindergarten during the summer:

Practice Social Skills - Kindergarten is all about socialization, so it's essential to help your child develop these skills during the summer. Encourage them to:

• Play with friends or family members
• Engage in group activities, such as summer preschool or art classes
• Practice sharing and taking turns
• Learn basic manners, such as saying "please" and "thank you"

Improve Fine Motor Skills - Fine motor skills are essential for kindergarten, as they'll need to use scissors, pencils, and other materials. You can help improve your child's fine motor skills by:

• Engaging them in activities that require finger dexterity, such as puzzles or playdough
• Practicing cutting and coloring with crayons or markers
• Encouraging them to use their fingers to manipulate small objects, such as buttons or beads

Practice Independence - Kindergarten is a time for independence, so it's crucial to encourage your child to take responsibility for themselves. Encourage them to:

• Dress themselves
• Use the bathroom independently
• Pack their own backpack or lunchbox
• Show independence during transitions, such as walking into school on their own

Establish a Routine – As the summer rolls to an end, one of the most crucial things you can do to prepare your child for kindergarten is to establish a daily routine. This will help them adjust to the structured schedule that they'll encounter in school. During summer, schedules change due to vacations and summer holidays. To prepare for kindergarten, encourage your child to:

• Wake up and go to bed at regular times
• Eat meals and snacks at regular intervals

Talk about what’s coming - Finally, it's essential to prepare children mentally for the big change ahead. Kindergarten can be a daunting experience for young children, so it's crucial to reassure them that everything will be okay. Encourage your child to express their feelings and worries, and remind them that you'll be there to support them every step of the way. To help your child for this emotional next step, incorporate some of the following into your summer activities:

• Walk around the new school and play together on the playground
• Check out children’s books from the library on starting kindergarten
• Have your child draw or paint a picture for their new teacher

Preparing your child for kindergarten during the summer can make a significant difference in their transition to this new stage. By establishing a routine, developing social skills, improving fine motor skills, practicing independence, establishing routines, and talking about what’s coming, you can help your child feel confident and prepared for their kindergarten journey. Remember to stay patient, supportive, and encouraging throughout the process, and your child will be well on their way to a successful kindergarten experience.