Getting Ready A Calendar of Day-to-Day Family Activity Ideas

A perpetual calendar of activities for parents to help their young children be prepared for kindergarten Distributed by: Department of Education Early Development and Learning Resources Group

The activities in this calendar are linked to the Delaware Early Learning Foundations: Preschool. The activities are intended for preschool children three through five. They have been developed to be completed with adult participation. Adults should carefully consider the activities that would be most useful for the children’s developmental levels and interests.

Special Acknowledgements: National Association for the Education of Young Children; Public Broadcasting System; Parents Connect; Childfun, Inc.; Preschool Express, Jean Warren; Mommyandme.com; Literacynetwork.verizon.org; Reading Rockets; Parent, Teacher Community Class, Spring 2008, Delaware Technical & Community College, Owens Campus, Lauren Rose – Instructor; Reading & Writing in Early Childhood, IFST 306, Spring 2008, University of Delaware, Anabelle O’Malley – Instructor; Reading is Fundamental; Ooey Gooey, Inc.; Parents as Teachers; National Center for Family Literacy; Children’s Book Council; Nemours Health & Prevention Services; Mother Goose Programs; Read Aloud Delaware, Ginny Ferrara-Dellose; Sandra Mullett, Minnie Alfree, Debbie Amsden and Jim Lesko.

Thank you to the kindergarten students who contributed to the art work in the calendar from the following schools: Forwood, Jenny Smith, North Georgetown, Carrcroft, Lord Baltimore, and Woodbridge. Thank you also to the following kindergarten teachers for their help with the art work: Tara Sutton, Joanne Gichner, Joan Deisher, Kristen Blair, Helen Capodanno, Susan Sorrells, Cathy Drew, Tracey Ostroff, and Susie Whitcroft.

The final production and distribution of this calendar was supported in part by the United States Department of Education, Fund for Improvement of Education program.

A special thank you to the Delaware Institute for Excellence in Early Childhood for the final preparation and production of the calendar.

The calendar can be found on the internet at: http://www.doe.k12.de.us/infosuites/students_family/earlychildhood or www.dieec.udel.edu

If an authored verse has been used without attribution and permission, the omission is unintentional; please contact the Delaware Department of Education, Early Development and Learning Resources Group at 302.735.4295.

͸ȀͳͲ Learning Links

The internet can be a rich source of information for parents. Below is a listing of internet sites that may be of interest. There are sites that offer information about activities to do and see in Delaware. Many sites provide information about how to better understand children and how they grow. Also included are sites that offer activities that parents can do with their children that are fun and support learning.

Places to Go, Things to See and Do! Activities for Fun & Learning http://www.destatemuseums.org www.readingrainbow.com http://www.publiclibraries.com/delaware.htm www.fun.familyeducation.com http://candoplayground.org www.rif.org/parents/resources/monthly.mspx http://www.dechildrenstheatre.org www.sesameworkshop.org http:///www.destateparks.com/bcsp/bcsp.asp www.childfun.com http://www.delawaretheatre.com www.readingrockets.org http://www.destateparks.com/wilmsp/wilmsp.htm www.pbskids.org www.theideabox.com www.everydaylearning.net Resources and Information www.starfall.com www.ymcade.org www.parentsconnect.com www.babycenter.com www.preschoolexpress.com www.trelease-on-reading.com www2.scholastic.com www.pnc.growupgreat.com www.readingrockets.org www.fun.familyeducation.com www.parentsasteachers.org www.mommyandme.com www.familyeducation.com www.zerotothree.org www.famlit.org www.literacynetwork.verizon.org www.parents.com

Resources on Child Development www.extension.org/pages/Just_In_Time_Parenting_eNewsletters dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dms/epqc/birth3/files/growingtogethercalendar.pdf Snowflakes

Merry little snowflakes do their very best (Hold hands above head and wiggle fingers and slowly lower hands) To make a soft white blanket so buds and flowers may rest. (Put both hands together and move to side of face like sleeping) But when the bright spring sunshine sun says it has come to stay, (Move arms from side to over head making a circle for the sun) Those merry little snowflakes quickly run away. (Run in place) Artwork by Delaware Kindergarten Student Based on “The Mitten” by Jan Brett Learning Link Reading is Fundamental Reading is Fundamental (RIF) www.rif.org RIF’s “Leading to Reading” site provides booklists, online January stories and songs, resources, and interactive activities to turn children into life-long readers.

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Read “The Mitten” by Have child trace hands Measure & weigh your Put a food pyramid From magazines, cut Read “Sadie & the Jan Brett to make mittens. Have child each month. poster in the kitchen. out pictures of things Snowman” by Allen child cut mitten with Keep a chart & post. Discuss healthy food to eat. Separate Morgan. Make safety scissors. choices. healthy from popcorn snowman— www.mypyramid.gov/kids non-healthy foods. see recipe below.

Help your child build a Using paper and pencil Ask your child to think of Take a walk when it Provide pencils, crayons On kitchen calendar, model of their draw a design of the other places in the house or snows. Listen, see, or paints & ask your draw pictures or use neighborhood the two of child to make a picture stickers to note the bedroom using small bedroom & compare you could map out. smell and feel the building blocks. the model. snow. of themselves. weather each day.

Limit the time your child Let your child help sort Take your child to the Have your child paint glue Place pairs of magnetic watches TV to one household things like library. Sign up for a on a piece of paper. Let letters on the refrigerator or laundry. Sort by color, size & them sprinkle some rice, cookie sheet. Mix up letters hour - then go outside library card & check and play together! even family member! sand or glitter over the glue and have your child find the out a book. to create a textured picture. matching partners.

Cut up vinyl placemats As you read a book, Musical freeze. Dance or Read a story from the Pour salt or sand onto a from the dollar store show with your finger move while playing a Once Upon a cookie sheet or shoebox favorite song. When you and make puzzles. how we read words left lid. Have your child write stop the music everyone Time list. their name using his finger. to right. freezes in that position.

Kids’ Kitchen Reading Tips Read the story, Sadie & the Snowman by Allen Morgan. Then make the following recipe. Yum! A child’s own library can build their love for books. Popcorn Snowman Here are some tips from Reading is Fundamental 3 Tablespoons of margarine or butter (RIF) to help children set up their own libraries: 1 (10 oz.) package of regular marshmallows or 4 Cups of mini marshmallows • Find a special place for books. Use a box, basket, 6 Cups of popped Popcorn plastic stacking cubes or other sturdy containers if 1. M elt margarine or butter in a large saucepan over low heat. your child’s room doesn’t have a bookshelf or Add marshmallows and stir until completely melted. bookcase. Remove from heat. • Let your children choose the books they want to 2. Add popcorn and stir until well coated. add to their collection. A book-buying trip to a 3. Form 1 large ball, one medium-sized ball, and one small ball thrift store or bookstore is a fun Saturday activity. and make a snowman. Decorate with raisins, carrots, nuts, gumdrops, or favorite fruit or candy. Five Little Monkeys

Five little monkeys jumping on the bed One fell off and bumped his head Mamma called the doctor and the doctor said No more monkeys jumping on the bed

Repeat verses, subtracting a monkey each time.

Artwork by Delaware Kindergarten Student Based on “Caps For Sale” by Esphyr Slobodkina Learning Link Ooey Gooey, Inc. www.ooeygooey.com Ooey Gooey, Inc. has a great collection of articles and low-cost recipes that bring high-energy, exciting and February informative hands-on activities to young children.

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Read “Caps for Sale” by Play copycat and have Create a “play box” Read a familiar story or Have your child make Esphyr Slobodkina your child mimic what (Example: Post Office: nursery rhyme. Leave off the Valentines for some collect papers, pens, stickers last or familiar word for your special friends. you do. Then mimic & junk mail.) Play “make child to complete. your child’s actions. believe” with your child. Show your child how a Read a story from the Show your child how Bake cookies or Provide your child with a Play Simon Says. calculator functions. Once Upon a to make shadows by variety of colored scarves & muffins with your music. Be the audience while Let them experiment Time list. shining a flashlight on child. your child moves to the beat with the numbers. a wall. or join in the fun! Talk with child and make a Write your child’s name on a Write numbers 1-5 on index Have your child string riga- Make a “My Favorite list of favorite animals & sheet of paper. Slip it into a cards. Have child count out toni or other pasta shapes Things” book with pages insects. Have them pretend plastic page protector. Have small crackers or cereal & onto a piece of string or for each family member. to move like the one you your child trace it using place on top of card. ribbon. Count the number. Read together. name from the list. crayons. Wipe off & repeat.

Have your child use an Teach child to wash hands Have your child use a Use the colored dots Help build your child’s egg beater to whip up while singing the entire song paper punch & punch to create a picture or vocabulary by going on a of “Happy Birthday.” This is fieldtrip to the park, some bubbles in a pan the amount of time needed dots out of colored design. firehouse, zoo. Talk about of soapy water. to wash all germs away. construction paper. what you see.

Reading Tips Read Aloud SING, SING A SONG Ɖ Reading aloud is the best way to give children the skills they’ll need to become good readers and listeners. Reading together is a special time for you to bond with your children. Let them snuggle next to you as you share stories. Here’s how you can make the most out of reading aloud: VALENTINE • Read slowly. Try using different voices for different characters. I’m going to wrap myself in paper • Follow words with your finger as you read. Your child will see that words are read from the left to right. I’m going to dab myself with glue • Point to pictures and say the names of objects and colors. Let children repeat the Stick a stamp on top of my head names. I’m going to mail myself to you • Talk about the book as you read. Ask your child to describe pictures, repeat phrases used in the story, and predict what will happen next. • Remember to have fun! The more fun children have reading aloud, the more they will love books and want to read them.

Source: Reading is Fundamental (RIF) — www.rif.org Rainbow Song (Sung to the tune of Hush, Little Baby)

Rainbow purple Rainbow blue Rainbow green And yellow too Rainbow orange Rainbow red Rainbow shining over head.

Come and count The colors with me How many colors Can you see? 1-2-3 on down to green 4-5-6 colors can be seen.

Rainbow purple Rainbow blue Rainbow green And yellow too Rainbow orange Rainbow red Rainbow shining over head. Artwork by Delaware Kindergarten Student Based on “One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish” by Dr. Seuss Learning Link Get Ready to Read! www.getreadytoread.org Get Ready to Read! is a program that offers free resources March to make learning fun with exciting and friendly ways to help children develop vital early reading skills.

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Celebrate Dr. Seuss’ Give your child a bucket of Put a piece of celery in a glass of Have your child take a Make cookie dough. water. Add food coloring. Watch birthday. Read One Fish, water, several sizes of paint bubble bath. Put foam on Shape into letters and brushes, a painter’s cap and the changes in the celery over the next few days. Discuss what the wall & have child bake. Eat your way Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue send them off to paint the happens with your child. write a letter in the through the alphabet. Fish by Dr. Seuss sidewalk or driveway. bubble foam.

Take advantage of your Fill plastic eggs with Place a bucket outside to Read “Green Eggs & Make green eggs and community & neighborhood beans, rice, bells, or catch the rainfall. Have your Ham” by Dr. Seuss ham! See recipe below. safety programs at your local pennies to make shakers. child measure how much fire station, police station Dance to the music. water is in the bucket. and hospital.

Using a deck of cards, have Ham it up when reading to Read a story from the Act out nursery Let your child walk, Cut shapes out of paper. your child find all the your child. Different Once Upon a rhymes and simple tiptoe or run across Create a “shape monster.” number matches from the character voices & silly Make up a story with your mixed up pile. Put numbers sounds make reading a fun Time list. songs. bubble wrap—What a child about the monster’s in order. learning experience. neat feeling! adventures in your house.

Draw thick, straight, wavy, Together with your child , Create a family album for Go on a bug hunt. Take a and curly lines on paper & tape pennies to a pair of your child to keep in their magnifier, look under have your child practice their shoes & have them try bedroom or play room. Talk rocks, in the grass and in cutting using safety “tap” dancing about individual family puddles. scissors. members.

Kids’ Kitchen Reading Tips Greens Eggs & Ham Recipe Things you’ll need: Choosing Books for Preschoolers • A copy of “Green Eggs & Ham” When choosing books for preschoolers, look for: • Green food coloring • Drawings and photos that are clear and colorful. • Eggs • Simple & fun stories that can be finished in one sitting. • Ham • Includes rhymes that children can repeat. • Frying pan • Stories that include concepts such as letters, numbers, shapes, and Separate the egg yolk from the egg white. Save the yolk & be careful not to break it. colors. Color the egg whites. Add a few drops of green food coloring to the egg whites. Stir • Characters or stories about children their age or older. Playful the whites & add food coloring until you reach desired color. Pour the yolks back onto animals hold their attention, too. the green egg white mixture being careful not to break yolks. Set the green eggs aside. Cook and serve. The eggs look best when they are fried with the yolk intact. Grill, bake or fry the ham. Source: Reading is Fundamental Here Is a Bunny

Here is a bunny with ears so funny, (bend two fingers over thumb) And here is a hole in the ground. (make hole with left hand) When a noise he hears, he pricks up his ears, (hold “ears” straight) And hops into his hole so round. (hop bunny over into the “hole”)

Artwork by Delaware Kindergarten Student Based on “Runaway Bunny” by Margaret Wise Brown Learning Link Nemours Foundation, Inc. www.nemours.org The website offers information, resources, and activities on April topics such as Emotions & Behavior, Growth & Development, Nutrition & Fitness.

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Read The Runaway Bunny Make mud pies with Take a trip with your child Plant the seeds together & Help your child take Make up sentences in which by Margaret Wise Brown your child after a to your local garden shop place the pot where it can be photos of the different each word starts with the observed. Talk with your child same letter (Peter Piper rainstorm. or nursery. Explore, about the care & changes of growing stages of the purchase some seeds to plant up to the bloom. picked a peck of pickled the plant as it grows. (See peppers) plant. directions below.) Make photos into book.

Explain to your child that Talk about measurement & Ask your child to estimate Use the foot patterns as Read The Very Hungry a “hula dance” tells a items used for measuring. how many of their & your feet “measuring tools.” Find Caterpillar by Eric Carle Trace around your foot & do they think it will take to get story. Invite your child to from one end of a room to the things around the house, and make the Fruit create their own “hula” your child’s foot & cut out. such as sofa, table, etc. to Kabobs below. Save for next activity. other. Record, measure, to tell a familiar story. compare the results. measure.

Read a story from the Go on a hike with your Go outside on a sunny day Celebrate Earth Day! Make a traffic light out of Let your child use an old Once Upon a child at your favorite park & create shadows. Have Plant a seed! paper plates. Have your telephone to advance their your child make up a child color or paint each language skills. Ask who list. or trail. Explore & discuss Time nature as you walk & talk. shadow dance, catch their color (red, yellow, green). they are calling & what the shadow & find others. Give your child his own person said. paper plate steering wheel.

Identify a tree in your Draw a picture of the Together with your child , Have a picnic under Have your child observe Have your child tell you yard or local park that tree or take photos. create a special “tree” journal the tree on a sunny animals & insects on the about their day. Use open that your child can keep track ended questions such as, can be visited often. day. tree & talk about what he Make a visit. of all of the changes in the sees, hears, feels, smells. “What was the best part of tree during the year. today? & Tell me about the tastiest food you ate.”

Planting a Seed Kids’ Kitchen Read the story, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, by Eric Carle, then make this nutritious snack: You will need: Cardboard egg carton Small bag of planting soil FRUIT Kabobs Plastic wrap Spray bottle of water • 1 pkg of seeds (marigold, cosmos or petunia start easily) 1 Apple • 2/3 Cup Pineapple Chunks • 1 Banana • 1 Cup Nonfat Yogurt 1. Pour soil into the bucket or box. Add just enough water to make it damp, • 1/3 cup Red Seedless Grapes • 1/4 Cup Dried Coconut, shredded not “soupy.” Use a soup spoon to place a small amount of soil into each egg • cup. 1/3 Cup Green Seedless Grapes • Strawberries

2. Following the package instructions, make a small depression into each cup Directions: of soil. Place approximately 2 seeds in each hole and cover with a light layer 1. Prepare the fruit by washing the grapes, washing the apples and cutting them into small squares, of soil. Mist with the water. peeling the banana and cutting it into chunks, and cutting the pineapple into chunks if it’s fresh. 3. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and place in a dark room or closet. Be sure 2. Spread coconut onto a large plate. to keep the soil moist. 3. Slide pieces of fruit onto a wooden skewer and design your own kabob by putting as much or as little 4. Have your child check the seedlings daily & older children can even chart of whatever fruit you want! Do this until the stick is almost covered from end to end. the progress. Cosmos, marigolds & petunias will do well in a flower garden 4. Hold your kabob at the ends and roll it in the yogurt so the fruit gets covered, then roll it in the coconut. or pot. 5. Repeat these steps with another skewer. A Caterpillar Crawled

A caterpillar crawled, (creep fingers up one arm) To the top of the tree, “I think I’ll take a nap,” says he. (place one hand over opposite fist) So under a leaf he began to creep. To spin his cocoon, And he fell asleep. All winter long he slept in his bed, ‘Til spring came along one day and said,“Wake up, wake up, little sleepyhead, (shake fist with other hand) Wake up, it’s time to get out of bed.” So he opened his eyes that sunshiny day. (spread fingers, hook thumbs) Lo! He was a butterfly, and flew away. (flap hands as wings and fly away)

Artwork by Delaware Kindergarten Student Based on “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” by Eric Carle Learning Link Reading Rockets http://www.readingrockets.org Reading Rockets is dedicated to giving parents, educators, May and caregivers the information and activities they need to help young children learn to read.

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Read The Very Hungry With rain gear on, go Print your child’s name on a Give your child Celebrate Cinco de Mayo by Have your child “read” Make a fruit smoothie Caterpillar by Eric Carle outside & puddle jump piece of paper. Have them directions for a daily job making Tacos. Count to 5 in you their favorite story. (see recipe below). find the letters in a magazine Spanish (Uno, Dos, Tres, & see who can make (fold the napkin, place it or newspaper, cut them out on the table & put the Cuatro, Cinco) the biggest splash! & glue them onto the page to spell his name. fork on it). Make a treasure box of Fly a kite! As you’re reading to Help your child create a Read a story from the household items. Have your child, point out list of “hopes” and Once Upon a your child choose their that words have spaces “dreams.” Time list. “treasure” and tell the in between. beginning sound.

Walk around & have a Play music while your child Read a fairytale. Have Find a library book Make a butterfly sandwich- “house hunt.” Find draws or paints. Vary the your child draw a about the life cycle of spread peanut butter onto a selections you play. Talk slice of bread & a piece of something that makes picture of their a butterfly & read it music, you can cook with, with them about how the celery. Cut the bread in half you eat, makes light. music makes them feel. favorite part. with your child. diagonally & make a butterfly.

Have fun creating a Divide a piece of paper into See how many words When going shopping with variety of block 4 sections. Have your child your child can think of your child, count with your structures with your draw a picture of “happy, that begin the same way child the number of steps it child. sad, scared, angry.” Discuss as their name (Mary, takes you to get from the car what makes them have to the store door. these feelings. man, meat, magazine).

Kids’Kitchen Reading Tips Strawberry Banana Smoothie Storytelling Tips That Preschoolers Will Love From 1 cup frozen strawberries Apply sunscreen on your child even on a cloudy Reading is Fundamental (RIF) day. 2 cups orange juice • Introduce a book by reading title, author, and 1 banana, cut in pieces For children age 6 months and older, select an SPF illustrator; look at cover; talk about what the book 1/2 cup milk might be about; suggest things to look and listen for. of 15 or higher to prevent both sunburn and • 2 tablespoons sugar tanning. Run your finger under words while reading. • Add ingredients together in a blender and blend until ƕ Apply whenever your child will be in the sun Ask children to look closely at the pictures to help smooth. Apply about 30 mins. before going outside them understand the story and make predictions ƕ about what might happen next. Go to http://www.kids-cooking-activities.com for ƕ Reapply often, approximately every 2-3 hrs • Stop to ask thinking questions: “What might more smoothie recipes. ƕ Apply a waterproof sunscreen if children will be happen next?” “Where did he go” “Why did she do around water or swimming. that?” Five Little Speckled Frogs

Five little speckled frogs (hold up five fingers) Sitting on a speckled log, Eating some most delicious bugs. (pretend to eat bugs) Yum! Yum! One jumped into the pool, (jump forward) Where it was nice and cool (cross arms over chest and shiver) Now there are four little speckled frogs. Burr-ump! Repeat, counting down until there are no little speckled frogs

Artwork by Delaware Kindergarten Student Based on “Jump Frog, Jump” by Robert Kalan Learning Link Colorin Colorado http://www.colorincolorado.org Colorin Colorado is a bilingual web site created by Reading Rockets that gives Spanish-speaking parents June information about helping children learn to read.

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Read Jump Frog, Jump Place a familiar item in a Make sure your child Read Goodnight Moon. Talk Make lily pads out of green by Robert Kalan bag. Have your child visits the dentist for about the differences paper & number 1-10. Have reach in, feel it & those important check- between night & day & your child jump through the describe it. See if they can ups & practice proper numbers naming each one draw pictures of each. as they land. guess what it is. brushing & flossing.

Take photographs of your Make a rainbow snack Check out the story, Invite your child to play child making happy, sad, angry Rosie’s Walk from the & silly faces. Show them the out of fresh fruit. a game with you. Ask pictures and ask them to tell library. Read and act them what they would you about things that make out this fun-filled like to play. them feel that way. adventure.

Play Hopscotch on a See how many words you Read a story from the Take your child to a Give your child 2 or 3 Encourage your child to driveway or sidewalk. can say that rhyme Once Upon a live musical motions to do (hop, skip, start a collection (rocks, shells, buttons). See how together. They can even list. performance or play. turn around) & have them be nonsense words (cat, Time do the motion. many ways they can sort & re-sort by size, color, shape. mat, fat, dat, zat, gat)

Keep a box filled with Use cookie cutters to Give your child a home Place a basket of books in Play “I Spy With My Little crayons, pens, pencils, create interesting food responsibility such as the family room, the living Eye.” Give word clues such markers & paper in the shapes for your child. setting the table. room & even the kitchen. as it is behind, on, under, kitchen. That way your child can next to, in & above. read all over the house.

Fitness Fun Sing, Sing a Song Ɖ Lifelong habits for good physical fitness begin early. MISTER SUN Be a role model. Participate in and enjoy physical activity yourself. Play active games with your child. Your participation encourages your child to engage in physical activity. Oh Mister, Sun, Sun Mister Golden Sun, Plan time for unstructured play. Young children need blocks of time to invent play, including physical Won’t you please shine down on me? activity. Oh Mister Sun, Sun, Mister Golden Sun, Provide space, including outdoor space, for active play. If your home does not have a place to play outdoors, Hiding behind a tree. take your child to a park or school yard every day. This little child is asking you Look for programs in your community. Your community’s recreation or parks department may have To please come out so I can play with you. activities for young children. Oh Mister Sun, Sun, Mr. Golden Sun, Invite a buddy. Your child may be more physically active when he has a playmate. Please shine down on me! Limit TV watching. Be positive about your child’s activity Source: Parents as Teachers Friendship Song (Sing to the tune of "You Are My Sunshine")

You are my best friend, My very best friend, You make me happy, Everyday, You share your great snacks, You share your best toys, So please don’t take My best friend away.

Written by Melissa Nichols-Meyer Artwork by Delaware Kindergarten Student ©Learning to Give www.learningtogive.org Based on “Rainbow Fish” by Marcus Pfister Learning Link The National Center for Family Literacy http://www.famlit.org Resources and suggestions on promoting family literacy July and age appropriate learning activities.

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Read Rainbow Fish by Before bedtime, take Keep a set of sports Go on a “number hunt” Tell your child a story Get a very basic Yoga Marcus Pfister equipment: balls, jump ropes, & find things with book or tape that is turns saying something frisbee in the car trunk. Now about when she was nice about family you can kick, throw, catch, numbers in the house. younger. Ask her how designed for children. members & friends. jump anywhere, anytime. she has changed. Help your child master simple poses.

Make a toy microphone As you go for a drive, Buy a blank journal Have your child dip pieces of Spray small rocks with gold Have a children’s book string into dishes of glue or from a toilet paper roll. have your child tell book. Encourage your spray paint or buy small exchange with family starch. Lay the string on a piece colored gold coins/chips. Have your child use this of waxed paper to create designs. you about what they child to draw and Hide the gold in your yard and friends. to tell a story to a When the string dries it will be see outside the win- write. or sandbox. Design a pretend audience. stiff. Pull off of wax paper. dow. treasure map. Give clues. Work with your child to Locate all the circles & Read a story from the Give your child plenty of Talk with your child about squares in the bedroom. experiences to develop their all the sources of light— locate all the circles & Once Upon a squares in the kitchen. Write the amount & cutting skills. lamps, candles, sun, Write the amount. compare to the number Time list flashlights. At night go on found in the kitchen. a flashlight hunt.

Go to the library & Use a shoebox, paper Take your child to a Plan a community trip Have your child draw check out a favorite towel tube & rubber free community you’d like to take with a picture about the movie. Have a family bands & make a guitar outdoor concert. your child. Where will trip. movie night. with your child. you go? What will you bring?

Rhyme Time Reading Tips Humpty Dumpty Are we there yet? How many parents have heard those words the minute the car doors are closed and the seatbelts are fastened? sat on the wall Vision & Hearing With just a little planning, parents can turn the family car trip into an exciting Humpty Dumpty had a school room on wheels. great fall If you haven’t already had Start by filling a backpack or box with pens, pencils, paper, books and maga- All the king’s horses and your child’s vision and zines. Tell your child he can use these to write about the trip, draw pictures all the king’s men hearing checked, check with of what he sees or just read and enjoy. Share a map of your destination with your child and talk about the sights you will see. Older children can even Couldn’t put Humpty your doctor about scheduling help by looking for exit signs and mile markers. This will help your child these tests. understand that print is everywhere and has meaning—important skills for together again. beginning readers. Source: National Center for Family Literacy Five Little Fishies

Five little fishies swimming in a pool, (Wiggle five fingers) The first one said, “This pool is cool.” (Show one finger, then wrap arms around body) The second one said, “This pool is deep.” (Show two fingers, then hands measure ‘deep’) The third one said, “I want to sleep.” (Show three fingers, then rest head on hands) The fourth one said, “Let’s dive and dip." (Show four fingers, then hands ‘dive’ into water) The fifth one said, “I spy a ship.” (Show five fingers, then form scope with hands to peer through) Fishing boat comes, (Form V with fingers, then move hands away from body) The line goes KER-SPLASH, (Pretend to throw fishing line) And away the five little fishies dash! (Wiggle five fingers away from body)

Artwork by Delaware Kindergarten Student Based on “Swimmy” by Leo Lionni Learning Link Crayola www.crayola.com This website has color, creativity, activities, learning, and August fun for everyone.

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Read Swimmy by Leo Help your child make Take your child to an Buy a set of small Practice with your child Lionni an alphabet poster & outdoor concert at a plastic animals & make the correct way to brush hang in their bedroom. local park. a farm or zoo with & floss their teeth. blocks.

Cut a circle to fit into a pie Create an obstacle course Read a story from the Talk to your child Hang a letter bag in Bounce a ball while tin. Place paper in tin & pour using lawn chairs, boxes, Once Upon a about the importance your car. you count to 10, then small amount of paint & add cones, etc. Count or use a a marble. Let your child roll watch to time to see who Time list. of not being a “litter 20, then 30. the marble back & forth & can make it through in the bug.” watch the interesting designs. best time. Record times.

Have your child create a Read a story together. Play with Playdough! Find a pen pal for your Give your child water & pattern [red, green, blue; Periodically during the child—perhaps a cousin a paintbrush. Have them circle, square, circle] with story have your child who lives in a different “write” their name blocks. Discuss how to guess what may happen state. Help your child outside on the sidewalk keep the pattern going. next. write a short letter. or driveway.

During a family dinner talk When visiting the Show your child how Learn the “Five Little Be a good model of Read “The Kissing Hand” about what makes each grocery store, have your to use pipe cleaners to Fishies” chant. patience. by Audrey Penn. A must- read before the start of person happy. Expand on child read the labels of make alphabet letters, other feelings such as sad, favorite items. school. Let your child turn angry, scared. numbers & their name. the pages as you read.

Creation Station Becoming a Writer Getting Ready for School-Check Off Your List! Recipe guaranteed to encourage children to Steps in learning to write: experiment, explore, examine and experience! 9 Check with your child’s school & make sure all • Experiments with different writing instruments by paperwork is complete. scribbling Ice Block Drip 9 Plan and start a new bedtime schedule & routine. • Scribbles left to right All you need for this activity is a block of ice, 9 Attend any school events before school begins. • food coloring and eyedroppers. Blocks of ice Understands the difference between drawing and writing 9 Discuss safety & school rules & the importance of • can be made by filling bowls or milk cartons following them. Makes letter-like forms and perhaps some letters • 1/2 full of water and freezing them. 9 Discuss drop off & pick up routines & practice Writes letters all over the page • Children can drop the colors onto the ice. them. Strings letters together to represent writing • Watch how it changes the ice and how the 9 Go with your child to school on the first day. Groups letters separated by spaces to imitate words 9 Be an active member of the PTA/PTO. • Copies a letter by looking at a model colors mix together. 9 Talk with your child’s teacher on a regular basis. • Writes a first word, usually name Source: Ooey Gooey Source: Parents as Teachers Six Little Ducks

Six little ducks That I once knew Short ones, skinny ones, Fair ones, too But the one little duck With the feather on his back He led the others With a quack, quack, quack Quack, quack, quack, Quack, quack, quack He led the others With a quack, quack, quack. Down to the river They would go Wibble wobble, Wibble wobble, To and fro But the one little duck With the feather on his back He led the others With a quack, quack, quack Quack, quack, quack, Quack, quack, quack He led the others With a quack, quack, quack.

Artwork by Delaware Kindergarten Student Based on “Brown Bear, Brown Bear What Do You See?” by Bill Martin, Jr. Learning Link Parents as Teachers www.parentsasteachers.org Parents as Teachers provides information, support and encouragement to parents to help their children develop September optimally during the early years of life.

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Read Brown Bear, Brown Consider how your child could Talk with your child Have your child name During familiar routines, do a small chore for a talk with your child Bear by Bill Martin, Jr. neighbor. about items for objects that start with Follow through recycling. Set up a the same letters as the about what will happen and help, recycle bin. letters in their name. first, next, last. if possible.

Get 3 boxes—small, Ask your child questions Use a finger puppet to To practice cutting, Help your child make Tell your child a story Take your child on a field medium, large. Help such as “If you could be follow the words left have your child cut up a special gift for about your childhood. trip to the dentist before your child sort his toys an animal, what would it to right in a story . the “junk mail” you Grandparent’s Day. their first visit. Talk by size & place in the be?” “What would it do?” receive, then recycle about what will happen when they go. correct box. the pieces.

Read a story from the Use plastic bats, a hockey stick Take a walk and Have your child use words Explain how magnets work Write notes to your Once Upon a or large tree stick & a variety of collect leaves. Do leaf such as “through,” “over,” then experiment with child. They will love balls. Set up buckets or plastic “under,” “around,” magnets around the house Time list. or tin containers around the rubbings & discuss “between” & “behind” while to see what attracts and what receiving them! yard & have fun trying to get a what happens. moving through an obstacle does not. Make a list. hole in 1. course.

Blow bubbles outside Let your child Have your child help Set up an area with newspaper, Have your child tell a with your child & watch experiment with items you make a grocery a smock, paint, paper & unique story about one of painting tools such as an old how much fun they have to see what “floats” list. his/her favorite chasing them to burst toothbrush, sponge, comb, etc. and what “sinks.” Watch what wonderful ideas photographs. your bubble! develop.

Kids’ Kitchen Reading Tips Not all reading takes place between the covers of a Read the story, Chicka, Chicka Boom Boom by Bill book. Don’t forget menus, road signs, food labels, Martin, Jr. then make the following terrific trees: and sheet music. Take advantage of spur-of-the-

CHICKA CHICKA BOOM BOOM TREES moment opportunities for reading during the course Put a chocolate rectangle wafer on a paper of your family’s busy day. plate—discuss the shape of the cookie. Cut 1/2 green apple into four slices and place around the Expand children’s vocabulary by drawing their top of the cookie to form the palm tree—discuss attention to new or unusual words in a story then whole, half, and quarter sizes. reinforcing the meaning afterwards. For example, Put alphabet cereal on the tree trunk chocolate after children have learned the word “capsize” in a wafer. Spell names, sort by letters, call out letters story, show how a toy boat in the tub can capsize! to be placed on the tree trunk. Eat! Source: Reading is Fundamental (RIF) Five Little Pumpkins Five little pumpkins sitting on a gate. (hold up five fingers) First one said, “Oh my, it’s getting late.”(wiggle first finger) Second one said, “There’s witches in the air.” (wiggle second finger) Third one said “We don’t care.” (wiggle third finger) Fourth one said, “Let’s run, and run, and run.” (wiggle fourth finger) Fifth one said, “Oh, it’s just Halloween fun.” (wiggle fifth finger) But whooo went the wind and out went the light. (hold hands sides of your mouth and blow) And five little pumpkins rolled out of sight. (roll hand over hand)

Artwork by Delaware Kindergarten Student Based on “Owl Babies” by Martin Waddell Learning Link Circle of Inclusion http://www.circleofinclusion.org Circle of Inclusion is for families of young children and early childhood service providers and offers demonstrations about October the effective practices of inclusive educational programs for children from birth through age eight.

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Read Owl Babies by Buy a child-sized rake & Practice Stop, Drop & After reading a story Ask your child if he liked Take the family out to Martin Waddell have your child help you Roll - See below ask your child about the way a story ended. If a bowling alley for fun with the leaves. Jump in the not, ask them to make up piles! some other ways the & fitness time. story could end. a new ending

Have your child Give your child Have your child draw Acknowledge your Give your child some practice writing their sidewalk chalk to a picture and describe child’s “good deeds.” pennies & nickels & create patterns together. Have your name. create designs & it. Write some words child match your pattern & drawings. used by the child on then have him/her create the picture. their own pattern.

Set up a special area for Have your child use a Experiment with food Read Stellaluna by Carve a pumpkin & Help your child clean active moving such as computer keyboard to coloring or paint to Jannell Cannon roast the seeds. Eat out their closet & if rolling, jumping, climbing write a message. Print create colors. seeds for a yummy possible, donate items & tumbling. out what was typed. snack! to a favorite charity.

Let your child create a Teach your child Hold a book upside Read a story from the Make a pumpkin pie. Create riddles for your puppet using an old sock, STOP, LOOK, down or backwards. Once Upon a Have your child tell a child to solve. What buttons and scraps of paper. family member how the Have him make up a story LISTEN, before Let your child correct Time list. animal hops and likes pie was made. with the puppet. crossing the street. you. to eat carrots?

Fire Safety Kids’ Kitchen

“Stop, drop, and roll” is the response fire personnel teach people to do if their clothing Applesauce Crunch catches on fire. Although this technique is usually taught in school, children who aren’t in 1-50 ounce jar applesauce school can still learn fire safety and how to stop, drop, and roll if their clothing catches on fire. (or make homemade) 1. Explain to your child you are going to go over some fire safety lessons & that you are 1 cup light brown sugar going to teach them what to do if their clothes ever catch fire. 1 cup flour 2. Teach your child that “Stop, Drop, and Roll” can save their lives if their clothes ever 1/2 cup margarine 1 teaspoon cinnamon catch fire. 3. Tell your child that if their clothes ever catch on fire they need to stop whatever they are Pour the applesauce into a microwavable doing and drop to the ground. dish. Mix the sugar, flour, cinnamon and 4. Demonstrate to your child how to drop and then roll. margarine with “clean” hands until crumbly. 5. Teach your child to cover his mouth and nose while rolling, to protect his airways from Sprinkle the crumb mixture on top of the damage. applesauce. Microwave for 5 minutes. 6. Practice Stop, Drop, and Roll at home with your child. Tell them that if they see anyone else’s clothes catch fire, to yell “Stop, Drop, and Roll” & to find an adult to call 911. Serve warm and enjoy! Hickory Dickory Dock

Hickory Dickory Dock, The mouse ran up the clock. The clock struck one, The mouse ran down! Hickory Dickory Dock.

Hickory Dickory Dock, The bird looked at the clock, The clock struck two, Away she flew, Hickory Dickory Dock.

Artwork by Delaware Kindergarten Student Based on “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie” by Laura Numeroff Learning Link Read Aloud www.readalouddelaware.org Read Aloud’s mission is to ensure that each preschool child in Delaware is regularly read to one-on-one. This November site provides information and resources to parents and educators.

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Read If You Give a Take scarves & As you cook dinner, see Take a walk with your While driving in the car, Mouse a Cookie by encourage your child if your child can guess child in a light rain read signs together. See Laura Numeroff to dance waving the what you are making shower. Listen, see, how many your child scarves. Add music. using his sense of sight, smell, feel & taste the already knows. smell & taste. rain. Choose TV programs Have your child invite a Take your child to Recite nursery rhymes Help your child to see the Be a good audience with a focus on friend over for a hoola your local library’s such as Little Miss link between real objects to when your child tells shapes (a piece of pizza is a reading, such as hoop contest. Create a story hour. Muffett or Mary Had a you a story. Listen. variety of categories so triangle shape, a cookie is a “Reading Rainbow.” Little Lamb. Have your circle, a banana is a crescent that everyone is a winner. child learn them. shape). Tape down a piece of yarn Go on a walk & collect Have your child create a Make pudding with your Ask your child to Read stories about Have your child toss or string. Have your child different sizes of rocks. letter to a friend or family child. Save a little on a describe what their animals & their unique bean bags or balls into walk on it like a tight rope Let your child decorate member. Let them draw cookie sheet & let them circus performer. favorite day would be. homes. a box or laundry them any way they wish. it or write the sounds trace & draw in the basket. Score points! they know. Mail it. pudding.

Take your child to a Make puzzles from Hang a thermometer Give your child a Read a story from the “volunteer activity” in cereal box fronts. Cut by a window. Have special job to help Once Upon a your community. them apart & have your child record the prepare Thanksgiving Time list. your child reassemble temperature each day. dinner.

Reading Tips Rhyme Time Talk to your children Talking to your child throughout the day is one of the most important things you can do to help them get ready for reading. Your conversations will teach them new words and help them learn to talk and listen to Little Miss Muffet sat on a tuffet others.

Eating her curds and whey To make sure your child gets the most from your conversations: Along came a spider, • Use words you would use with adults and avoid baby talk words such as boo-boo. Use words such as “injury” or “wound.” Who sat down beside her, • Ask open-ended questions such as, “Why do you think that happened?” And frightened Miss Muffet away! • Be a patient listener. Letting them complete their thoughts will help build their confidence and improve their ability to express themselves.

Source: Reading is Fundamental Down by the Bay

Down by the bay where the watermelons grow. Back to my home I dare not go. For if I do, my mother will say, “Did you ever see a pig dancing the jig?” Down by the bay.

Artwork by Delaware Kindergarten Student Based on “Llamas In Pajamas” by Gisela Voss Learning Link PBS www.pbs.org/parents PBS has launched a fun-filled learning service for kids ages 3-6 that helps them learn through play. It is available in English and en espanol. December FFE www.fun.familyeducation.com Games and activities promoting preschoolers physical development and learning. Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

Read Llama in Pajamas Pin a towel to your child to Write 5 alphabet letters Cut holes on the bottom & Talk about a favorite by Gisela Voss make a cape. Let them on a small piece of paper. sides of a paper bag to relative. Why is this person pretend to be a super hero. Find things around the make a vest. Let your child so special? Write down your Ask them what they can do house that begin with decorate it & pretend to be child’s thoughts & mail & what their powers are. them to that person. that letter & match. a favorite book character.

Spread shaving cream Have your child create a Give your child a pack of Write a large capital & Have your child write a onto wax paper or foil. structure using recycled toothpicks, a piece of lowercase letter on a thank you note or draw a Let your child write materials (empty boxes, paper or paper plate & piece of paper. Let your thank you picture for their name on it. paper rolls, cartons). some glue. Encourage child recreate the letter gifts received. them to make a design. using cereal pieces.

Have your child draw Read a story from the Let your child act out Read a familiar story. Pretend you are a picture of their Once Upon a going to the doctor Have your child make up members of a a new ending for it. (The favorite toy. Time list. with their doll or marching band. Play stuffed animal before wolf moves in with the 3 music & march around pigs & becomes friends) their actual visit. the room.

Take a walk outside. Place paper over the Save lots of pennies. Play children’s CD’s or Read the Gingerbread Invite your child to bottom of a tennis shoe Have your child feed tapes in the car and Boy & then make a describe what they see. & rub with a crayon. their “piggy” bank with have a sing-a-long. gingerbread house. Look for patterns. just the right amount of pennies you state.

Kids’ Kitchen Reading Tips • After reading a story, help your child connect the story to their Read the story, If You Give a Pig a Pancake, by own experiences by: Laura Numeroff then make the following healthy • Asking what they would do if they were the main character. pancakes: • Asking questions about what just happened in the story. • Talking about new vocabulary words. PIG PANCAKES • Drawing attention to the illustrations. Make homemade pancakes or use frozen if time does not permit. • Read the book often. Children enjoy and learn from books no Put a pancake on a plate matter how many times you have read it. Put 2 strawberries on for ears. Put a banana slice on for a nose As your child grows older, they may want to re-read books they Add raisins for eyes and nose holes. enjoyed as an infant or toddler. Keep reading these books as long as they ask for them. Source: National Center for Family Literacy Once Upon a Time… Suggested Reading List

A Letter to Amy Gotcha! Mouse Paint by Ezra Jack Keats by Gail Jorgensen by Ellen Stoll Walsh Abiyoyo Happy Birth Day Murmel, Murmel Murmel retold by Pete Seeger by Robie Harris by Robert Munsch Alexander and the Terrible Horrible Harvey Slumpenburgers Christmas My Daddy No Good Very Bad Day Present by Susan Paradis by Judith Viorst by John Burningham Animals Should Definitely NOT Wear Harold and the Purple Crayon My Dog Rosie Clothing by Crockett Johnson by Isabelle Harper by Judi Barrett Are You my Mother? How the Sun Was Brought Back to Night Driving by P. D. Eastman the Sky by John Coy by Mirra Ginsburg Blueberries for Sal I Love You the Purplest No, David! by Robert McCloskey by Barbara Joosse by David Shannon Borreguita and the Coyote Imogene’s Antlers Our Granny by Verna Aardema by David Small by Margaret Wild Brown Bear, Brown Bear Ira Sleeps Over Owl Babies by Bill Martin, Jr. by Bernard Waber by Martin Waddell Catch the Baby It Looked Like Spilt Milk Purple Green and Yellow by Lee Kingman by Charles Shaw by Robert Munsch Chicka Chicka Boom Boom It’s the Bear! Quick as a Cricket by Bill Martin, Jr. by Jez Alborough by Audrey Wood Cinder-Eyed Cats The Kissing Hand Relative’s Came, The by Eric Rohmann by Audrey Penn by Cynthia Rylant

Cloudland Leo the Late Bloomer Snowy Day, The by John Burningham by Robert Kraus by Ezra Jack Keats Corduroy Little Blue and Little Yellow Somebody and the Three Blairs by Don Freeman by Leo Lionni by Marilyn Tolhurst Curious George Visits the Zoo Little House, The Sophie by Margaret Rey by Virginia Lee Burton by Mem Fox Darkness Little Mouse, Red Ripe Strawberry Special Kind of Love, A by Mildred Pitts Walter and Big Hungry Bear, The by Stephen Michael King by Don and Audrey Wood Don’t Fidget a Feather Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid Stephanie’s Ponytail by Erica Silverman of Anything, The by Robert Munsch by Linda Williams Dooly and the Snortsnoot Madeline Thomas’ Snowsuit by Jack Kent by Ludwig Bemelmans by Robert Munsch Emma’s Eggs Magic Quilt, The Tikki Tikki Tembo by Margriet Ruus by Clair Thompson by Arlene Mosel Feelings Mama Zooms Time Flies by Aliki by Jane Cowen-Fletcher by Eric Rohmann Giant Jam Sandwich Mixed-Up Chameleon, The Tough Boris by John Vernon Lord by Eric Carle by Mem Fox Good Dog Carl Monster Mama Tuesday by Alexandra Day by Liz Rosenberg & Stephen Gammell by David Wiesner Good Night Gorilla More More More Said the Baby! The Wind Blew by Peggy Rathman by Vera Williams by Pat Hutchins Good Night Moon Mortimer Where The Wild Things Are by Margaret Wise Brown by Robert Munsch by Maurice Sendak

Delaware State Parks

Fox Point State Park WilmingtonWilmington StateState ParksParks Bellevue State Park

BrandywineBrandywine CreekCreek StateState ParkPark State Park Enjoy the natural diversity of State Park Delaware's 15 state parks. From FortFort DupontDupon tState State Park Park hiking, camping, swimming, and fishing, to nature programs and touring historic sites, there is truly LumsLums PondPont StateState ParkPark something for everyone at Delaware State Parks!

R Fees are in effect from March through November. Season passes o are available. For more information, a call (302) 739-9220 or visit their website at: www.destateparks.com d FirstFirst State State Heritage Heritag ePark Park

T r i p s

Delaware Seashore State Park Delaware Nature Centers • Abbott’s Mill Nature Center (302-422-0847/Milford, Delaware) • Ashland Nature Center (302-239-2334/Hockessin, Delaware) • Baldcypress Nature Center – Fenwick Island State Park (302-875-5163/Laurel, Delaware) • Brandywine Creek Nature Center Trap Pond State Park (302-655-5740/Wilmington, Delaware) • Dupont Nature Center (302-422-1329/Milford, Delaware) • Seaside Nature Center – Cape Henlopen State Park (302-645-6852/Lewes, Delaware)

Libraries Oh, the places you will go! Dr. Seuss

New Castle County Libraries Kent County Libraries Sussex County Libraries Appoquinimink Public Library Kirkwood Hwy Public Library Harrington Public Library Greenwood Public Library 651 N. Broad Street 6000 Kirkwood Hwy 110 East Center Street 100 Mill Street Middletown, DE 19709 Wilmington, DE 19808 Harrington, DE 19952 Greenwood, DE 19950 302-378-5588 302-995-7663 302-398-4647 302-349-5309 Bear Public Library La Biblioteca Del Pueblo Library Kent County Library Laurel Public Library 101 Governor’s Place 403 N. Van Buren St. 497 South Red Haven Lane 101 East 4th Street Bear, DE 19701 Wilmington, DE 19805 Dover, DE 19901 Laurel, DE 19956 302-838-3303 302-571-7422 302-698-6440 302-875-3184 Brandywine Hundred Branch New Castle Public Library Milford Public Library Lewes Public Library 1300 Foulk Road 424 Delaware Street 11 SE Front Street 111 Adams Avenue Wilmington, 19803 New Castle, DE 19720 Milford, DE 19966 Lewes, DE 19958 302-477-3150 302-328-1995 302-422-8996 302-645-2733 Claymont Public Library Newark Free Library Smyrna Public Library Millsboro Public Library 3303 Green Street 750 Library Avenue 107 South Main St. 217 W. State Street Claymont, DE 19703 Newark, DE 19711 Smyrna, DE 19977 Millsboro, DE 19966 302-798-4164 302-731-7550 302-653-4579 302-934-8743 Corbit Calloway Memorial Library North Wilmington Library Milton Public Library 115 High Street 3400 N. Market St. 121 Union Street Odessa, DE 19930 Wilmington, DE 19802 Milton, DE 19968 Sussex County Libraries 302-378-8838 302-761-4290 302-684-8856 Delaware City Public Library Wilmington Public Library Bridgeville Public Library Rehoboth Beach Public Library 250 Fifth Street 10th & Market Streets 600 South Cannon Street 226 Rehoboth Avenue Delaware City, 19706 Wilmington, DE 19801 Bridgeville, DE 19933 Rehoboth Beach, 19971 302-834-4148 302-571-7400 302-337-7401 302-227-8044 Elsmere Public Library Woodlawn Library Delmar Public Library Seaford District Library 30 Spruce Avenue 2020 W. Ninth Street 101 N. Bi-State Blvd. 600 N. Market Street Extension Wilmington, 19805 Wilmington, DE 19805 Delmar, DE 19940 Seaford, DE 19973 302-892-2210 302-571-7425 302-846-9894 302-629-2524 Hockessin Public Library Frankford Public Library Selbyville Public Library 1023 Valley Road 8 Main Street 11 Main and McCabe St. Hockessin, DE 19707 Frankford, DE 19945 Selbyville, DE 19975 Kent County Libraries 302-239-5160 302-732-9351 302-436-8195 Garfield Park Lending Library Dover Public Library Georgetown Public Library South Coastal Library 26 Karlyn Drive 45 South State Street 123 West Pine Street 43 Kent Avenue New Castle, DE 19720 Dover, DE 19901 Georgetown, 19947 Bethany Beach, DE 19930 302-571-7312 302-736-7030 302-856-7958 302-539-5231

Registering your Child for Kindergarten

Plan to register your child for the school year your child would be five by August 31.

Find the school district serving your community. You can do this by going to the DOE website: www.doe.k12.de.us. Go to “Information Suites” and click on “Schools/Districts.” Then click on “School Locator” and enter address. Your district and school options will come up on the screen.

Ask: • Where to register your child. • When to register for kindergarten. Most districts register children in the spring. • What information is needed to register your child for kindergarten. Most school districts ask you to bring: • Proof of residency: electric bill or signed and dated lease agreement with parents’ names on the bill or lease or State of Delaware “Verification of Residence” form • Birth Certificate of the child sent to you by the state where the child was born • Record of immunizations documented by a healthcare provider • Physical which has been done within the last two years • Tuberculosis: Results of Mantoux TB Skin Test completed within the past 12 months or risk assessment as recommended by Delaware Division of Public Health • Documentation of date of lead screening • If needed, documents which state who has custody of a child It is best to check with your local school district for the specific documentation that will be needed

Delaware Department of Education John G. Townsend Building 401 Federal Street Dover, DE 19901

Website: www.doe.k12.de.us