. Suggestions on helping your child A Kindergarten Child A Kindergarten Classroom Suggestions Thoughts from Robert Fulghum HOW PARENTS CAN HELP BEFORE SCHOOL BEGINS? 1.  Let your child share in home responsibilities, conversations, and activities. 2. Give your child duties around the house to develop self-confidence and responsibility. 3. Establish a regular bedtime. 4. Teach your child to get dressed independently. 5. Work with your child to listen well to others and follow directions. 6. Encourage and model clear speech. 7. Teach your child to say his/her full name and the names of each parent. 8. Discuss the importance of responsibility and following school rules. 9. Purchase school supplies when the list is provided to you. 10. Complete the Student Information Sheet and give to the classroom teacher before or on the first day of school.  Always include an emergency name and number that is not the mother or father. Update as changes occur.  Give the updated information to the teacher and the registrar. 11. Be positive about how interesting the school experience is going to be. 12. Read to your child on a daily basis and visit the library regularly. HOW PARENTS CAN HELP ONCE SCHOOL BEGINS? 1. Make sure that labels are sewn or written on all outer personal belongings with first and last names. 2. Purchase a book bag and label with the owner's name.  Please check the book bag each day. Usually, removal of everything in the book bag is requested. 3. Encourage regular attendance and punctuality.  A note of explanation following an absence is courteous to the teacher and required by the school. 4. Parents are asked to not linger. 5. Show interest in the work your child brings home to encourage a positive self-concept. 6. Help your child practice writing his/her name with a capital letter at the beginning, followed by  lowercase letters. 7. If your child is going to go home by a means different from the usual, please send a dated, written notice BUS STUDENTS ALWAYS RIDE THE BUS UNLESS A NOTE IS RECEIVED INDICATING OTHER PLANS. 8. Students will be dismissed from the classroom and should be met there. 9. Please be aware that once the school day begins, we are very busy.  If you would like to talk to your child's teacher, please send a note and you will be contacted by the teacher as soon as possible. 10. Birthdays and holiday celebrations will be at the discretion of the classroom teacher.  You will receive information in the weekly newsletter sent by your child's teacher. 11. Dress your child in comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for an active day at school.  Art and Science activities can be messy.  Outdoor activities are required daily. 12. Read to your child on a daily basis and visit the library regularly. to top 4/5/03