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Welcome to Kindergarten, Here I Come!
Each month, the Kindergarten, Here I Come! newsletter will provide ways you can help your preschooler prepare for kindergarten.
Activities: These activities will help give your preschooler the foundation for positive and happy school experiences. The activities are linked to the PA Early Learning Standard which are used in pre-kindergarten programs throughout Pennsylvania.
Book Lists: The book lists will help support the activities and may help your preschooler better understand a concept. Visit your local library to find the books mentioned each month or ask your librarian to help you find a similar book.
Tips and Resources: Each month find tips and resources to help your preschooler learn and get ready for kindergarten. Share your favorites with friends and family.
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They can sign up!!
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Did you know that when preschoolers play, they learn? It's true! Use these activities to encourage your preschooler to play.
Print the June Books for Preschoolers!
We're learning Language and Literacy Skills
Do it!
Find an object around the house and ask your preschooler to think of words that rhyme or sound the same. Nonsense words are okay, too. If your preschooler cannot develop a rhyme on their own, give them options. "Does cat rhyme with chair? Does cat rhyme with hat?" Your preschooler may be able to let you know they understand the rhyme by their facial expressions and vocalizations.
Read it!
Five Little Monkeys Sitting in a Tree by Eileen Christelow. Zin! Zin! Zin! A Violin by Lloyd Moss.
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We're learning through Play
Do it!
Play the Opposite Game. Say a word and see if your preschooler can say the opposite. You say, "Walk," and your preschooler says, "Run." You say, "Happy," and your preschooler says, "Sad." Create your song to a simple tune like "Mary had a little lamb" using opposite words. Act out the motions and facial expressions whenever possible.
Read it!
Octopus Opposites by Stella Blackstone. Two Little Trains by Margaret Wise Brown.
We're learning Science Thinking and Technology
Do it!
While outside, different kinds of balls are thrown into the air. Talk about which one goes higher, faster, and further.
Read it!
Biggest, Strongest, Fastest by Steve Jenkins. Who Sank the Boat? by Pamela Allen.
We're learning Mathematical Thinking and Expression
Do it!
Create sound patterns using your hands or mouth. Ask your preschooler to repeat them. (Clap, clap, tap. Or finger snap, tongue click, finger snap.) Physically pat or tap your preschooler's arm or hand as you do this. You can also assist them in clapping or patting.
Read it!
The Best Bug Parade by Stuart J. Murphy. The Napping House by Audrey Wood and Don Wood.
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What Can You Do with Monthly Book Lists?
Each month, Kindergarten, Here I Come! provides a list of books that complement the activities. What can you do with this list?
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Print the list and take it to your local library. Your librarian can help you find the books on the list. Then read the books with your preschooler. Help your preschooler circle or cross out the books on the list as you read them.
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Make a short video of your preschooler reading or giving a book review of one of the books on the list. What was their favorite part of the book? Share the video with family and friends. Tag PA's Promise for Children on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram!
- Share the list with your friends who have children. You can forward this email to them!
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Visit PA's Promise for Children, where you can share this list via social media, like Facebook or Pinterest.
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If you are a teacher, click to print the list and give it to your students' families. Or post this list so families can see it and know which books are being read in your classroom.
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Get ready for a fun adventure full of reading and learning with the Summer Learning and Literacy Road Trip!
The Pennsylvania Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) is taking families on a virtual Summer Learning and Literacy Road Trip! This summer, families, teachers, and early childhood partners are invited to join the journey and explore exciting ways to support young children’s love of reading and learning.
You’ll discover incredible facts about Pennsylvania’s rivers, lakes, and amazing wildlife. You’ll also find fun, hands-on activities with your child, book suggestions to enjoy together, and helpful tips that align with the PA Early Learning Standards.
Don’t forget to download the Nature Journal in English or Spanish to keep track of your favorite moments. Let’s hit the road and make learning fun—all summer long!
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Scholarship Opportunity for Families
Scholarships are available for FREE registration and lodging to attend the Building Knowledge to Know How Conference!
Don't miss this exciting event focused on autism, sensory disabilities, secondary transition, and students with complex instructional needs. Hurry, as scholarships are limited!
🗓️ Application Deadline: Monday, June 15
📌 Visit https://tinyurl.com/BK2KHFamily to apply
✅ Child Caregiver Reimbursement available
✉️ Questions? Contact: k2khscholarships@pattankop.net
Families with a child receiving Early Intervention or Special Education in PA services are eligible to apply!
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Apply Now to Serve on The Pennsylvania State Advisory Council
The Pennsylvania State Advisory Council (SAC) is now accepting applications for family and professional leaders interested in serving on one of the Council’s five supporting subcommittees.
Participation on a SAC subcommittee is an opportunity to help shape discussions, provide feedback, and support initiatives that impact Pennsylvania’s early childhood education system, children, and families. The subcommittees serve as focused workgroups that provide specialized expertise, develop recommendations, and support the implementation of initiatives aligned with the Council’s broader goals and priorities.
As outlined in the Governor’s Executive Order, the SAC advises the Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) on planning for the expansion and coordination of effective early learning and development services for young children and their families across the Commonwealth.
Family members, early childhood professionals, advocates, community partners, and system leaders are encouraged to apply. Complete the application.
To learn more about the State Advisory Council, visit the State Advisory Council page.
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Supporting Your Child's Literacy with the PA One Book Program
Families, child care providers, libraries, and community organizations all play a vital role in nurturing a love of reading in young children. The PA One Book program offers a variety of free, engaging resources to help support early literacy and encourage meaningful reading experiences.
Each year, the program features a carefully selected book for young children and a collection of easy-to-use tools to bring the story to life. Available resources include:
- Printable Activity Guides with fun, age-appropriate learning activities
- NEW! Hosting a PA One Book Reading event in your community
- Printable Bookmarks to encourage children to read
- Printable Stickers to celebrate participation and make reading even more fun
These resources are designed to be used at home, in classrooms, during library storytimes, and at community events. Together, we can inspire a lifelong love of books and learning in Pennsylvania’s youngest readers.
To explore this year’s book and download free materials, visit the PA One Book website.
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iNaturalist App
Get ready to explore nature by downloading the free iNaturalist app on your smartphone! Be sure to allow the app to use your phone’s GPS so it can automatically record where you find plants and animals in parks.
When you spot something interesting, simply take a photo using the app. Not sure what it is? No problem! Tap “What did you see?” and the app will help identify it for you in seconds.
The app also saves the time, date, and location for each observation, so there’s no extra work needed—everything is automatically recorded and shared with the park.
iNaturalist is available for both Apple and Android devices, making it easy for everyone to join the fun of exploring nature!
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SUN Programs: USDA's Summer Nutrition Programs for Kids
Families now have more ways to get their kids the nutrition they need when school is out during the summer through the SUN Programs: USDA's Summer Nutrition Program for Kids. Visit the USDA website to learn about available resources. Also available in Spanish.
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Plan Now for July 4 Pennsylvania State Parks Fish-For-Free Day
A Fish-for-Free Day is a great way for families to catch the fun of fishing! The July 4, 2026, Fish-for-Free Day allows anyone (Pennsylvania resident or non-resident) to legally fish on Pennsylvania waterways with no fishing license required. All other fishing regulations still apply.
Don't have the equipment for fishing? Check out the Fishing Tackle Loaner Program!
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Tune In! A Book-Based Music Adventure
Imagine making music with your body, inventing simple instruments with recycled materials, playing conductor, building community through call-and-response singing and group dances, creating a music time capsule, drawing to music, designing an album cover, exploring voices and songs of social change, and writing original jingles, parodies, and raps.
Tune In gives kids a chance to learn more about music and music genres, to hear about great performers and composers, and to write lyrics and compose songs. It features music from around the world — from classical to salsa to hip hop.
Tune In combines hands-on activities with great fiction, poetry, and picture book biographies — books such as Charlie Parker Played Be Bop and Celia Cruz: Queen of Salsa — inspiring kids to read about musicians and composers from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
Kids will have a chance to record original music and take the stage through a welcoming Open Mic. Kids and adults are also invited to create a collage-style Music Mural together that documents all the explorations, discoveries, and joy of the 5-day camp.
Tune In is designed for educators, summer program leaders, and families — and it's free! Join in to explore, create, read, write, and learn — all about music. Learn more!
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Two-Bite Club
Getting kids to try a variety of foods may feel like a daunting task to some. If you deal with picky eaters, try introducing them to MyPlate's Two-Bite Club, developed by the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The resource has a printable book that encourages kids to try new foods and provides fun certificates to celebrate new tasting milestones. Available in English and Spanish.
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Pennsylvania's KinConnector
Pennsylvania's KinConnector provides guidance, advice, and support for kinship care families throughout Pennsylvania in numerous ways, including:
- Connecting caregivers to health, financial, and legal services.
- Connecting Caregivers to training and parenting support, identifying local physical or behavioral health services.
- Identifying support groups and guiding caregivers on how to apply for federal, state, and local benefits such as CHIP and Social Security, and other services designed to support caregivers; and
- Providing access to a compassionate KinConnector who will listen and provide supportive guidance.
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Tree Trekkers: A Book-Based STEAM Adventure!
What “wood” we do without trees? Tree Trekkers gives kids a chance to learn all about trees — their role in the ecosystem and in climate change, their characteristics and life cycles, their many benefits to humans and to other species, the stories they tell us about our history, and how trees, forests, and parks have inspired art, music, and literature. Download the free toolkit.
Want fun activities related to trees? Check out the 2026 Summer Learning and Literacy resources from PA's Promise for Children!
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June's Health Trends in Early Childhood: Summertime Play – Staying Safe and Cool
Stay informed. Stay prepared. Make a difference.
Each month, Health Trends in Early Childhood delivers timely, easy-to-understand insights on health issues that matter most for young children. We break down the facts, explain why they matter, and show how they affect children, families, caregivers, and communities—and most importantly, what you can do to help keep children safe and thriving.
In the June issue:
🔹 Why are young children spending less time outdoors?
🔹 How does this affect their growth, health, and development?
🔹 Tips for safe and meaningful outdoor play
🔹 Trusted resources to help you learn more
Print it. Share it. Use it. This one-page guide is perfect for parents, educators, and caregivers. Plus, you can explore the helpful links for deeper learning. Together, we can build healthier futures—one child at a time.
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Keep Your Child Healthy and Protected
Staying on track with your child’s regular checkups and recommended vaccines is important. If your child is behind on any shots—or even if they haven’t had any yet—don’t worry! You can still catch up, and it’s easier than you might think. The good news is there’s no need to start over. Talk to your child’s doctor and take the first step today. Learn more at the PA Promise website.
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Should Your Preschooler Drink Juice?
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) policy recommends that preschool-aged children (4-6 years) limit juice to no more than 4-6 ounces per day. This is the amount in a typical juice box. Children should also not be allowed to carry a cup or juice box throughout the day. The evidence is clear that excessive juice consumption can lead to weight gain and tooth decay. Visit HealthyKid.org to see what other options preschoolers have when they're thirsty.
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Preventing Food Waste
With food costs rising, families are looking for ways to stretch their budgets. This Food Facts resource from the FDA outlines strategies to minimize food waste, along with a food storage chart to help keep your food fresher longer.
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Summer Safety
A few serious sunburns can increase your child’s risk of skin cancer later in life. Protect your child's skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays anytime outdoors with sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and shade. Get sun safety tips from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Pennsylvania's Promise for Children also has ways to keep your preschooler safe while having fun this summer season with these six tips.
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Calendar of Activities for Early Learning Professionals
As the weather warms up, outdoor water play becomes a favorite in many early learning and summer programs. Before the fun begins, be sure your program is ready and safe by reviewing 55 Pa. Code § 3280.115. Water activity to stay in compliance.
While you’re at it, don’t miss the July Calendar of Activities, packed with fun ideas and helpful tips to support early learning professionals as they help children and families get ready for a successful school year!
Still need some ideas for June? The June Calendar of Activities for Early Learning Professionals is still available!
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