Let's hear from Mary, opens a new window, an early literacy librarian, about kindergarten prep when schools are closed.
Now that you’re home with your kids because preschool is closed, how can you keep them learning and growing and getting ready for Kindergarten?
First of all, take a deep breath, and don’t worry about creating a lesson plan or schedule! Young children learn best through play and positive relationships with those who love and care for them, so if you’re reading together, having conversations, playing together and taking time to get outside, you’re doing just fine! Allie at No Time for Flash Cards has this great post on how to get your child ready for Kindergarten and it includes many of the things you’re already doing., opens a new window
If your child thrives on a school schedule and you’d like ideas for how to create one, here are some schedule ideas:
- PBS Kids helps you make a schedule, opens a new window
- No Time For Flashcards PreK-K schedule, opens a new window
- A daily schedule, opens a new window from The Busy Toddler
If you're looking for simple learning activities and lessons that can be done from home, here are some great ideas:
- Scholastic Learn at Home, opens a new window has a short lesson for each day, including online books and activities to do together.
- No Time For Flash Cards, opens a new window has lots of great free activities.
- PBS Kids Learn and Grow, opens a new window
- Prepare a preschool at home, opens a new window with Life Over C’s.
- Learn at home, opens a new window ideas from the NYC Department of Education: available in multiple languages!
- The National Association for the Education of Young Children tells you how to create 10 simple mini learning centers, opens a new window at home.
- Bright By Text, opens a new window will text activity ideas and developmental information for children 0 to 8 years old.
- Kid Builders, opens a new window from First Five Orange County has an activity ideas app or downloadable pdfs.
- Not all of these are appropriate for pre-k kids, but here is a list of 100 education companies offering free subscription to their online apps and tools., opens a new window Khan Academy Kids, opens a new window is one of them.
Remember that kids learn best through interaction with people, but also remember to be kind to yourself. This is new territory and we're all doing what we can to get by.
