Starting kindergarten is an exciting and important milestone—for both children and parents. Studies show that when kids begin school prepared to learn, they’re more likely to succeed in reading, math, and social-emotional development by third grade. These strong foundations can lead to future academic achievements, higher self-confidence, and greater opportunities down the road.
Here are some simple and fun ways you can help your soon-to-be kindergartener get ready for their big first day:
💛 Connect with Love & Ease Worries
Transitioning to kindergarten can stir up big feelings. Make time to talk about how your child is feeling—excited, nervous, unsure—and let them know it’s completely normal. Share your own stories of first-day jitters to help them feel understood. Create a calming morning and bedtime routine now to provide a sense of structure and comfort when school starts.
🗣 Talk, Sing, and Describe the Day
Language builds learning! Chat with your child about what to expect during the school day—riding the bus, meeting a teacher, eating lunch, making friends. Sing fun songs like “If You’re Happy and You Know It” or “The Wheels on the Bus” to keep conversations light and joyful. If possible, visit the school together—see the playground, peek at the building, or attend a kindergarten open house.
🔢 Count, Sort, and Compare
Math doesn’t have to be a worksheet—make it part of your day! Count steps as you walk, sort laundry by color, or group snacks by shape. Practice number recognition, talk about size differences, and use phrases like “more than” or “fewer than.” These little moments build number sense in big ways.
🌳 Learn Through Play & Movement
Play is how young children learn best. Run, jump, dig, climb—outdoor play builds coordination and problem-solving skills. Encourage unstructured play time to spark imagination and curiosity. Bonus: Find neighborhood kids who are also starting kindergarten and set up some summer playdates to help build friendships early.
📚 Read Together Every Day
Reading aloud helps children develop vocabulary, comprehension, and a love for books. Make it a habit to read daily—morning, bedtime, or anytime in between. Ask questions like “What do you think will happen next?” or “How do you think the character feels?” Visit your local library to pick out fun picture books and explore any upcoming events or activities before summer wraps up.
🎒 Prepare for a Confident First Day
Over the summer, practice independence skills like putting on shoes, zipping backpacks, and using the bathroom on their own. Make school prep part of the excitement—let your child help pick out their backpack or lunchbox. Count down the days together and remind them how proud you are of them!
Helpful Resources
There are so many great online and local resources to support families getting ready for kindergarten. For a helpful list of essential skills to work on before the first day, check out this blog post:
👉 Kindergarten Ready: Essential Skills for a Confident Start
Be sure to also check with your local libraries for upcoming storytimes and events that encourage reading and social development. Local community organizations like Head Start also offer great tools to help prepare your child for success in school.
With just a few weeks of summer left, it’s the perfect time to build confidence, spark curiosity, and get your child excited for the journey into kindergarten!
