COUNTDOWN TO KINDERGARTEN

Early Childhood Partners CFCE of Hamilton, Wenham, Manchester, and Essex is here to support your child's transition to Kindergarten!  
Every Spring, we distribute a Countdown To Kindergarten Calendar, which includes a daily activity for your
soon to be Kindergarten student.  We also collaborate with our community partners to host special ​Countdown to Kindergarten Events, including book giveaways and story times!  All children entering Kindergarten are welcome to all events,
​regardless of school assignment or town. ​
The transition between preschool and kindergarten is a major milestone. It can also be an anxious time for some preschoolers and their parents/caregivers. Preparing for new routines will help children know what to expect and will reduce anxiety/fear.  And this year, it might be the first time in awhile (or ever!) that your child has stepped foot in a classroom.
You can read more about tips and activities to prepare before that first day HERE. 

Social Stories can help ALL children understand what is going on around them.  Information about new routines will help reduce anxiety and fear.  This will lead to a smoother transition into a new routine.  The website Autism Little Learners: Resources and Ideas for Families and Educators has some great Social Stories to help prepare your children.  Please click HERE for the link.

Another social story resource is from the Mass AIMH, DMH, MSPCC, and the Partnership for Early Childhood Mental Health.  This template can be downloaded and edited for use by providers and families to help children prepare for the changes so they can feel more in control as they reenter school. Click here to download the Social Story template

 ​Finally, please enjoy our clickable list of Kindergarten-themed activities that focus on literacy, arts, music, movement, and science...all with materials that you have at home!  We hope this helps you and your child to have a smooth transition to Kindergarten!

READ ALOUDS:
The Night Before Kindergarten By Julie Durell and Natasha Wing
David Goes To School By David Shannon
Froggy Goes To School By Jonathan London
The Pigeon HAS To Go To School By Mo Willems
Kindergarten Here I Come By DJ Steinberg
The King of Kindergarten By Derrick Barnes
In Kindergarten from the Berkshire Museum
In Kindergarten Read-Along from the Berkshire Museum
The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn

MUSIC AND MOVEMENT:
Sesame Street: Starting Kindergarten
ABC Kick Box
Days of the Week Song
See It, Say It, Sign It
Patterns - Banana Banana Meatball

​GAMES AND ACTIVITIES:
Make DIY Kindergarten Bookmarks
16 Arts and Crafts Projects For Kindergarteners
Fun Activities To Improve Fine Motor Skills
Help your Child Develop Grit And Learn To Persevere
23 Kindergarten Science Experiments
Play-Based Activities That Build Reading Readiness
Boston Children’s Museum ​
Ready or Not Kindergarten, Here We Come!
Digital Tools To Help Kids Get Ready For Kindergarten from the Berkshire Museum
The Early Childhood Partners Countdown To Kindergarten Calendar!
KINDERGARTEN READINESS ARTICLES: 
Early Childhood Partners programs are funded by the Massachusetts Coordinated Family & Community Engagement (CFCE) grant awarded to Hamilton-Wenham Regional School District by the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) serving Hamilton, Wenham, Manchester, and Essex.  All educational and non-academic programs, activities and employment opportunities at Hamilton-Wenham RSD are offered without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, homelessness, age and/or, disability, and any other class or characteristic
​protected by law.