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    Kindergarten Transition

    We believe Early Learners thrive in connected and supportive communities of family, friends, and educators, especially when making the big step to kindergarten. This page shares information about kindergarten readiness (you might be surprised!), the Early Kindergarten Transition Program, and tools and tips so you feel confident about starting school. 

    Kindergarten Readiness

    You might think that it's most important for children to start kindergarten knowing their ABCS, number, shapes and colors. But there are equally, if not more, important skills that prepare your child for success in school.

    Raising an eager learner is the goal, and it can be achieved through play and day-to-day activities. Here are the top readiness skills that kindergarten teachers look for:
    • Excitement toward learning
    • Talking about thoughts and feelings
    • Listening to others
    • Desire to be independent
    • Playing well with others and taking turns
    • Following simple instructions
    • Ability to hold and use a pencil or crayon
    • Recognizing numbers and letters

    What is kindergarten readiness?

    Helpful Hints for Families and Caregivers for a Confident Start to School (2 pages) 

    The ABC's of Kindergarten booklet helps you and your family transition to school confidently. It includes information about a typical day in kindergarten classroom, monthly get-ready tips, family resources and a directory of helpful departments. The booklet is available in all languages at your school. Here are English and Spanish booklets. 

    Ready Set Connect to Kindergarten is a booklet with activities you and your incoming kindergartner can do together. Here is a favorite: Go on a letter search. Look in old magazines and newspapers. Circle the G's, H's and I's. Use a crayon to write the letters on a piece of paper. Available in all languages: Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, Russian, Somali. This booklet was created by the Multnomah County Commission on Children, Families, and Community and Portland Public Schools with funding from United Way.
     
    Additional Resources
     

    Early Kindergarten Transition (EKT)   
    Update: Due to COVID-19 and budget constraints, EKT is cancelled this summer. 

    Early Kindergarten Transition (EKT) is a school-based, family-oriented summer program designed to increase family engagement in school, improve children’s attendance and success in school. 

    Children attend school every morning for three weeks in summer. Parents or caregivers gather twice a week to meet school staff and discuss ways to support their child's learning. Interpreters are hired. Meals are provided. Child Care is offered during parent meeting times.

    SUN Community School lead agencies, Multnomah County, and Multnomah County Library are major partners. 

    Child Centered Plan

    The Child Centered Plan is a form that families complete with their child's preschool teacher (when possible) to explain student interests, strengths and challenges. Before school starts, parents have an opportunity to meet with the teacher and share the plan. 

    Child Centered Plan-ENGLISH

    Child Centered Plan - SPANISH

    Child Centered Plan- CHINESE

    Child Centered Plan-RUSSIAN

    Child Centered Plan-VIETNAMESE

    Child Centered Plan-SOMALI

     

  • Read-Aloud Tips

    Ten Tips for Reading
    Aloud to Children

    1. Make time for reading everyday.

    2. Choose a variety of books about
    different topics.

    3. Choose books with interesting
    words and engaging pictures.

    4. Be sure the child can see the
    pictures while being read to.

    5. Read with expression.

    6. Stop after the first few pages
    and talk about who or what the story
    is about and where it is happening.

    7. Ask the child to predict what might
    happen next as the story develops.

    8. During the story, stop and talk
    about what the main character is feeling.

    9. After reading the story, have the child
    talk about favorite parts and pictures.
    Always encourage the child to tell the ‘why’
    of his/her thinking.

    10. Have fun !!!!!