Using fun, at-home activities to learn letters and numbers during the summer is a great way to prepare your child for kindergarten and put him or her ahead of the learning curve.

Summer is more than halfway over, and for most families this means preparing for back-to-school by shopping for clothes and school supplies. For families with young children, this may be a more stressful time as you get ready to send your child to kindergarten. However, there are ways to help ease your child’s transition into school.

Kindergarten is filled with a lot of experiences that are new to children, especially those who are used to being at home. To help prepare soon-to-be kindergartners, now is the time to starting building the skills that will enable them to successfully interact with others.

By playing board games at home, parents can start to instill the concept of taking turns. Playdates are a great way to meet other kids and exercise sharing or expressing feelings. Trips to the park will get kids used to interacting with children they don’t already know.

While kindergarten will be the year where your child learns all about letters, numbers, shapes and colors, it will be helpful to introduce these concepts before starting school. Practicing with your child can be incorporated throughout your daily lives in fun ways. Children can help sort items such as laundry or toys into various categories, parents can incorporate counting games during drives and identifying colors and shapes.

Incorporate letters and words into your child’s day by reading, which also helps introduce new words, and learn the sounds associated with letters. Additionally, help your child practice writing their name. This will teach them how to use and hold a writing utensil, but also familiarize them with writing.

Equally as important is helping your child feel emotionally ready for the start of school. Although adults are available to help children whether they’re attending a brick and mortar school, an online school or being home schooled, having kids practice tying shoes and using zippers and buttons can help them feel more independent.

Most kindergarten classes do not have naptime for students. If your child is still taking afternoon naps, it may be time to start easing them away from them. This process should be initiated well before the start of school to avoid kids struggling when they start school. It is best to not abruptly end naps. Instead, slowly cut nap time shorter while simultaneously putting your child to bed earlier. Your child will still have enough sleep to get through the day.

Lastly, have your child memorize his or her full name, phone number and address. If you haven’t started already, you should start as soon as possible. Not only can they learn to identify themselves properly, but it can also be helpful in the case of an emergency.

Remember, incorporating these learning opportunities into a child’s everyday life can help them feel more comfortable in a new environment and ready for their first step in their educational future.


Craig Smith is the manager of counseling services at Arkansas Connections Academy with 25 years of experience in education. He holds a bachelor’s degree in music education and master’s degrees in music and education. He’s been married for nine years and his wife is also an educator.