How did you prepare DC for Kindergarten?

DD will be starting Kindergarten in September and, maybe I'm just being paranoid, but I'm scared she's not ready. I wasn't able to put her in Pre-k and I'm worried that she will be behind her peers. I've been doing numbers and letters with her since early on, started with rhyming and "what letter does this word start with" type of ideas. She has excellent memory, too. I just still feel like I could/should do more.

Did you guys do anything in preparation for Kindergarten? Any books or activities I should look into that helped your DC? Or am I just over thinking this?

Re: How did you prepare DC for Kindergarten?

What about enrolling her in some kind of learning or educational but fun summer program? She could go three days a week, or whatever, and get into that school "mindset". They could work with her on learning a few things and working on some exercises and it'll prep her a bit for what she will experience in September. Other than that, I think she will be ok! You seem to have done a lot and that sounds great.

Re: How did you prepare DC for Kindergarten?

Teach her how to write her name, and begin forming letters and numbers.
It will give her confidence on Day 1.

Also, if she has a good memory, teach her your address and phone #.

I'm STILL trying to get my son to remember those, and he's finishing K this week!
My 4 year old can remember, but not the 6 year old!

How did you prepare DC for Kindergarten?

Transportation is an issue which is why enrolling her in anything is not really an option for me.... She can already write her name, the numbers and most letters; does this mean I'm over doing it? lol I guess I'm really not sure of exactly what she should know by now.

Re: How did you prepare DC for Kindergarten?

How did you prepare DC for Kindergarten?

Thanks Marisa :) I keep telling myself, "She's not even IN school yet and I'm freaking out!"

Re: How did you prepare DC for Kindergarten?

Buy one of those activity books. Also show her how to use a scissor. I would start rhyming words with her. Sounds of letters will help a lot.

Re: How did you prepare DC for Kindergarten?

When I went to the K screening in our district, I was told that there is a huge range of abilities at the K level: some kids know letters & are beginning to read, others don't & that's all normal.

Personally, my DS can read very well, but his writing is horrible (I don't really care about correct writing, but his fine motor control just isn't there & according to his preschool, below target): that's what my summer focus will be: practice with a pencil & letter formation. His math skills are great & we practice that daily in "real life" (if you have 4 and your sister takes 2, how many will you have?).

I like the BrainQuest workbooks. They are inexpensive & have lots of material in them. DS loves doing them (though we have been slacking). We use them as "rewards".

He knows our address (that's a good one for general safety!).

As for social... that's a whole other story. Everyone calls my kid the "mayor". I'm just trying to get him to stop saying certain things he does at home (all my own fault).

How did you prepare DC for Kindergarten?

A scissor, didn't even think of that one. They actually told me I needed to practice using a mouse with her; another thing I wouldn't have thought of.... and BrainQuest! Thanks! I'm looking them up right now. She loves activity books but there are just so many to choose from so thanks for that guidance.

Re: How did you prepare DC for Kindergarten?

At Barnes and Noble they have books that will go over pre K skills. They are about $12 I think. You can also order online.
You can also have her do a little bit of computer stuff-ABC Mouse, ABCYA, Starfall, etc

Re: How did you prepare DC for Kindergarten?

Don't stress about it... My son NEVER went to nursery school or pre-k and did fine in kindergarten.

He couldn't write his name. He knew his letters, numbers, and colors... I worked with him at home on the basics.... They taught him the rest...