As mentioned in one of my previous blogs, I will be creating a list of activities for parents to do with their children to support their continued learning and development of essential skills. Here are activities for children in transitional kindergarten!
In California, TK uses modified kindergarten standards (see pgs 28-29 in the CA Department of Education TK Implementation Guide-Child Development) to support their readiness for Kindergarten. I have listed several activities below to help your child develop essential skills needed to be prepared and successful in kindergarten.
- Help your child draw or trace letters of the alphabet (on paper, in sand, in shaving cream on the table). At this time of the school year, they should be able to write their name fairly well and be able to identify some letters of the alphabet.
- Have your child draw and paint pictures (with chalk on the sidewalk, on paper, in the sand). Ask, “Tell me about your picture.” “Why do you like it?” Assist your child to share their picture and explain it to family and friends via Facetime.
- Read aloud to your child, and interact with them as you read. Ask, “What do you think will happen next?” “What would you do if you were the [insert story character]?” “Which animal is your favorite? Why?”
- Have your child sort objects by color, size, texture, purpose, etc. Ask, “why did you put these [legos] in this group?” “Can you organize your toys a different way?”
- Draw a pattern or create a pattern with objects and have your child continue the pattern.
- Practice counting up to 10.
- Leave lots of time for play! At this age, playing is the way kids learn best! Their imagination and creativity know no bounds!
I have a TK-er! Thank you for this.