Fun activities, aligned with the PA Early Learning Standards, to help your child have a successful Kindergarten year. 
We Are Learning in December
Try these activities to help prepare your child get ready for Kindergarten. Then visit your library to check out a book about it. Click here to print the book list.

We are learning Mathematics Thinking and Expression
Do it!
Get different sizes of bowls, spoons, pillow, toys, cups, plates, shoes, etc. Help your kindergartner sort them by small, medium and large. You can also trace the objects being sorted on separate pieces of paper. To use the tracings as a matching activity, place the pictures in the correct order and then have your kindergartner match the items. To use as a self-check activity, let your kindergartner sort the objects and then put the pictures in the correct sequence in front of the objects to see if they match.

Talk to your kindergartner as you manipulate the objects using a variety of vocabulary. Including synonyms for small and large, like tall or short. Introduce the sign for those vocabulary words. Include their favorite toys to increase their desire to participate. Make sure the objects are easy enough for your child to manipulate. Increase fine motor success by using objects that have handles and are easy to grasp. 
Read it!
Five Creatures  by Emily Jenkins.  Sort it Out!  by Barbara Mariconda. 

We are learning Scientific Thinking and Technology
Do it!
Find the Arctic or Antarctic on a map or globe. Find Pennsylvania and then talk about how far away we are from those cold places and what their weather is like. Try to find a 3D globe for your child to touch the continents, mountain ranges and oceans. Show your child the name in print of the places you are exploring. Look for pictures of what it is like in Arctic or Antarctic. Go outside and take pictures of Pennsylvania, then compare the pictures. Allow your kindergartner to touch an ice cube or feel the steam over a cup of tea to give a tactile experience of the weather.      
Read it!
Snow Bears  by Martin Waddel.  Polar Bears  by Gail Gibbons.

We are learning Scientific Thinking and Technology
Do it!
Talk with your kindergartner about textures. Find pictures or items around your house that are smooth, rough, slippery and bumpy. Ask your kindergartner to find objects that are the same texture. Make a feel box from a tissue box or baby wipe container. Gather items from your home that are identical in texture. Place one item from each pair in the box. Keep those which match in a bag. Have your kindergartner choose an item from the bag and then, without looking, have her try to find a matching item in the box. 
 
This activity can increase your child's communication skills. Use many descriptive words to explain what you are feeling when you touch the textures. Introduce the sign for smooth, rough, slippery and bumpy as you speak the words. You can try a similar activity at meal time. For example, smooth yogurt, crunchy carrot, and rough cereal.   
Read it!
Spiky, Slimy, Smooth: What Is Texture?  by Jane Brocket.  The Trouble With Cauliflower  by Jane Sutton. 

We are learning Social Emotional Development
Do it!
Make a gingerbread person that is like each person in your family. Talk with your kindergartner about how they are different and how they are the same. Expend their vocabulary by using descriptive words to describe each member of the family. Gingerbread people can be made out of clay, play dough, or paper. Share the descriptive words in sign to help increase your child's communication. 
Read it!
The Gingerbread Girl  by Lisa Campbell Ernst.  Snipp, Snapp, Snurr and the Gingerbread  by Maj Lindman.
Discipline Without Spanking
 
Spanking a child may increase aggression in a child, and may actually do long term harm to a child, says a new study by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).

The AAP recently released an updated policy statement about the harmful effects spanking can have on children. The use of spanking is also ineffective in teaching a child responsibility and self-control. New evidence shows that it may actually cause harm by impacting a child's normal brain development.

Research has shown that striking a child, yelling at or shaming them can elevate stress hormones and lead to changes to a child's brain. Harsh verbal abuse is also linked to mental health problems as children get older.

There are other methods that teach children right from wrong and are safer and more effective. Depending on the age and development of a child, other methods may include redirecting their attention, distraction, changing the subject, positive reinforcement, time out and natural consequences. Visit the PA Promise website and watch the video below for resources related to parenting and discipline.

Contact your Early Learning Resource Center for more information about programs to support families in your community.
Mindfulness with Kindergartners
 
Children of all ages can benefit from mindfulness, the simple practice of bringing a gentle, accepting attitude to the present moment. It can help parents and caregivers, too, by promoting happiness and relieving stress.  This article from The New York Times  offers basic

tips for children and adults of all ages, as well as several activities that develop compassion, focus, curiosity and empathy. And remember, mindfulness can be fun.
Keeping Your Kindergartner Safe with Winter Safety Tips

Whether winter brings severe storms, light dustings or just cold temperatures, the  American Academy of Pediatrics  (AAP) has some  valuable tips on how to keep your kindergartner safe and warm.





Top 5 Gifts to Give Your Kindergartner This Holiday

Looking for the perfect gift to give your kindergartner this holiday season? PA's Promise has the perfect options! These gifts won't cost a cent, but will last a lifetime.  Click here to print the list.
School Success Starts at Home

Parents who play with their kids and provide learning materials like books and craft supplies help ensure that their kids get started on the right foot. This quick video from our friends at Child Trends has ideas for low or no cost solutions to help your kindergartner be successful in school.
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The Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) provides families access to high quality services to prepare children for school and life success. 
  
Find more information about Quality Early Learning in Pennsylvania