Preparing Your Child for Kindergarten at Wheatland Elementary

As your child approaches this exciting milestone, we at Wheatland Elementary in Strathmore, AB, want to help you make the transition to kindergarten as smooth as possible. Here are some tips to prepare your little one for their big adventure: 

Nurture Independence

Encourage your child to practice self-care skills like:

• Putting on and taking off their jacket
• Opening lunch containers and snack bags
• Using the bathroom independently
• Washing hands properly

These skills will boost your child's confidence and help them navigate the school day with ease.

Foster Social Skills

Kindergarten is all about making new friends and learning to work with others. You can help by:

• Arranging playdates with other children
• Practicing sharing and taking turns
• Encouraging your child to express their feelings and needs verbally
• Teaching them to ask for help when needed

Develop Fine Motor Skills

Strengthen your child's hand muscles with activities like:

• Coloring and drawing
• Cutting with child-safe scissors
• Playing with playdough
• Stringing beads

These activities will prepare them for writing and other classroom tasks.

Establish Routines

Start implementing school-like routines a few weeks before kindergarten begins:

• Set a consistent bedtime and wake-up time
• Practice your morning routine, including getting dressed and eating breakfast
• Create a special goodbye ritual for drop-off time

Encourage a Love of Learning

Make learning fun and exciting by:

• Reading together daily
• Pointing out letters and numbers in your environment
• Playing simple counting games
• Encouraging curiosity and asking questions

Visit the School

If possible, arrange a visit to Wheatland Elementary before the first day. This can help your child:

• Become familiar with the school environment
• Meet their teacher
• See their classroom

Talk Positively About School

Share your own positive school experiences and express enthusiasm about the exciting things your child will learn and do in kindergarten.

Remember, every child develops at their own pace. The most important thing is that your child feels loved, supported, and excited about this new chapter in their life.

We can't wait to welcome your little one to Wheatland Elementary's kindergarten program! If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact us.