HELPING YOUR CHILD MAKE THE CHANGE
Before kindergarten begins, give your child plenty of opportunities to: 

PLAY

Give your child time to:

• Just  "be a kid" -- it's how he or she learns and grows best
• Play with other children (ones who will be in the same class, if possible)

EXPLORE THE WORLD

Together, you can:

•·        Visit parks, zoos, farms and museums

•·        Go on nature walks

•·        Explore local neighborhoods.

READ AND WRITE

The two of you can:

• Go to the library
• Read aloud and tell stories.

Provide crayons and paper for drawing and writing.

HAVE FUN WITH MATH AND SCIENCE

Let your child help you:

• Cook (measure and mix ingredients, etc.)
• Shop (look at prices, identify money, etc)
• Plant a garden -- indoors or out (look for changes over time, measure height, etc.).

FEEL IMPORTANT

Give your child

some responsibilities,

such as:

• Setting the table
• Putting toys and clothes away.

Be sure to recognize his or her efforts, not just results.

LEARN SOCIAL SKILLS

Encourage your child to:

• Be polite
• State his or her feelings, not act them out
• Resolve conflicts peacefully.

Ask teachers, day-care providers and other parents for more tips.