5 Tips to Get Your Kid Kindergarten Ready
At Dancing Panda, we understand that the journey through kindergarten is both exciting and challenging for parents and kids alike. Whether you're preparing for the first day of school or supporting your child throughout the year, our Founder Deb has put together five tips to help your child thrive in kindergarten and beyond.
Hi Panda Pals!
I can’t believe it’s August already. Summer has flown by, and the school year will be here before we know it. As both a leader in K-12 education and a parent of two girls, I have learned a lot about early childhood education and what parents can do to boost their child’s kindergarten readiness.
As a parent of a kid going into K, you may be nervous and excited too. I felt the same way when my girls were that age. But don’t worry, I got you! Check out these five easy tips to get your kid kindergarten ready. I did them with my girls, so I know they help ease the journey into kindergarten - and I promise you’ll have some fun too!
1. Read Together
Reading together is one of the most important things you can do to not only prepare your child for school, but also throughout the year. It allows children to grow their vocabulary skills and listening skills; both are vital to academic success. Your local library is a great place to let your kid go wild choosing a variety of books. Talk about the stories and ask questions to engage your child in what is being read. The more you read together, the more your child will develop a joy of learning. One of our family favorites was “Mrs. Bindergarten Gets Ready for Kindergarten.”
Deb’s PRO tip: While reading, point to the words so your kid starts to make the connection between the words on the page and what you’re saying.
2. Encourage Independence
Encouraging your child to complete simple tasks on their own can build their confidence and independence which are crucial aspects of kindergarten readiness and success. I remember how proud my daughters were when they could dress themselves or pack their own lunches. These small tasks give children a sense of accomplishment and prepare them for the responsibilities of a school day.
Deb’s PRO tip: Make getting dressed a game or a race! e Race to see who’s the fastest picking out or putting on their outfit (we actually still do this today, years after Kindergarten!).
3. Establish a Consistent Routine
A consistent daily routine helps children feel secure and understand what to expect each day. This is especially important during the kindergarten year when they’re adjusting to the structure of school. Set regular times for waking up, meals, and bedtime. A predictable routine can reduce anxiety, improve focus, and make transitions between activities smoother.
Deb’s PRO tip: Include a fun activity in your daily routine, like a dance break or a short walk, to keep your child energized and engaged throughout the day.
4. Foster Social Skills
Social interaction is vital for kindergarten readiness and success. Arrange playdates or participate in group activities during the summer and throughout the year to help your child practice sharing, taking turns, and communicating with peers.
Deb’s PRO tip: Combine #3 and #4 by scheduling a playdate with other incoming kindergartners at your local elementary school. It’s a wonderful way for kids to have fun and play with each other.
5. Practice Reading and Math with Dancing Panda
One of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to prepare your child for school is by incorporating reading and math into your daily routine, and Dancing Panda makes it fun and simple. Our family loves doing DanPan activities together—they're perfect for keeping learning fun and engaging. What I love most is that the age-appropriate activities are texted right to my phone and few or no materials, making them so easy to fit them into our busy day.
Deb’s PRO tip: Take advantage of our special “Kickstart K” one-month learning program for FREE. Sign up to get fantastic and fun DanPan Kindergarten content texted straight to your phone for you and your kids to enjoy.
Let’s make this school year a fantastic one by focusing on kindergarten readiness and setting your kid up for success!
