Getting Ready for KINDERGARTEN

United Way of Champaign County

www.UnitedWayChampaign.org Follow us on facebook.com/UWChampaignCounty A Calendar of Family Activities for 2021–2022 United Way of Champaign County — Helping all children succeed in school and in life It’s Never Too Early to Get Ready for Kindergarten!

ne of the most exciting days for with suggested daily activities based on doing activities that are fun and Oyou and your child is the first day Illinois Early Learning Standards and interesting. of kindergarten. This calendar is designed strategies developed by early learning Children develop at their own pace to help you and your child get ready for experts. and “typical” development can vary greatly that special day. Use this calendar as a guide for fun from child to child. Let’s get started! ideas. Include family members and friends School readiness is much more than This calendar is for 3, 4, and 5 year olds in the activities. Have a wonderful year knowing letters and numbers. Children who are preparing for kindergarten. The together as you get ready for the big day! who are kindergarten­ ready have good calendar runs from September through Remember that play is an important social, self-help and physical skills and are August; similar to the school year. part of learning. Your child learns best developing a love for learning. Each month focuses on a different topic when he/she is spending time with you and Kindergarten ­Readiness Checklist This checklist is a guide to help Good Health and Physical Well-Being Language and General Knowledge prepare your child for school. It’s My child: My child: ■ Eats a balanced diet ■ Has many opportunities to talk best to look at the items on the list as ■ Gets plenty of rest and listen goals to aim toward. If your child lags ■ Receives regular medical and ■ Is read to every day dental care ■ Has access to books and other behind in some areas, don’t worry, ■ Has had all the necessary reading materials remember that children grow and ­immunizations ■ Is learning about print and books develop at different rates. ■ Runs, jumps, plays outdoors and does ■ Has television viewing monitored other activities that provide exercise by an adult and help develop large muscles ■ Is encouraged to ask questions ■ Puzzles, scribbles, colors, paints and ■ Is encouraged to solve problems does other activities that help develop ■ Has opportunities to notice similarities small muscles and differences ■ Is encouraged to sort and classify things Social and Emotional Preparation ■ Is learning to write his/her name My child: and address ■ Is learning to explore and try ■ Is learning to count and plays new things counting games ■ Is learning to work well alone and ■ Is learning to identify and name shapes to do many tasks independently and colors ■ Has many opportunities to be with ■ Has opportunities to draw and to other children and is learning to be ­creative ­cooperate with them ■ Has opportunities to listen to and ■ Is curious and motivated to learn make music and to dance ■ Is learning to finish tasks ■ Has opportunities to get first-hand expe- ■ Is learning to use self-control riences and to do things in the world— ■ Can follow simple instructions to see and touch objects, hear new ■ Helps with family chores sounds, smell and taste foods ■ Is learning to use words to identify and express emotions • Store your child’s books in a special • Children enjoy and learn by repeti- Read place that’s easy to reach such as a tion so it’s OK if they want you to SEPTEMBER basket, drawer or a low shelf. read the same books over & over. together • Place a small rug or pillow nearby • Talk about the story as you read. 2021 to create a comfortable space for Ask questions, point out details in every reading. the pictures. day • Get a library card for your child • Ask your child to retell the story in (and yourself if you don’t already his/her own words. have one). • Talk about characters as you read • Find a place to read together away together. from distractions. • Count out loud with your child • Hold your child as you read to help every day while reading, cooking, develop a positive attitude toward and shopping, etc. reading.

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday ■ Do you feel like you’re being watched? You are! The best way to help children learn how to act is to Using a news- Talk about Play a match- Play a board show them through your own words and actions. paper article, 1 book 2 ing game or 3 game or card 4 They are master imitators. When they hear you say circle­ words characters match items game with please and thank you, they learn to be polite. When that begin as you read you have your child. they see you help others, they learn to be helpful. with the first together around the When they hear you call someone a name ­— they letter of your today. house. will do it too. So don’t just tell children what to do child’s first — show them! name.

Count out Labor Day Practice fire Have a Library Day! Help your Visit www. loud with your dance party. Take your child write pbs.org/ 5 Rosh 6 safety: stop, 7 8 9 10 11 child every child to the his/her parents and Hashanah drop & roll. day while library and name. click on the begins at reading, get a library “Fun and sundown cooking­ and card. Games” tab. shopping. Grandparents’ Practice Practice Yom Kippur Look for Practice Pick a new Day 12 writing­ your 13 counting­ from 14 begins at 15 words that 16 bouncing a 17 book and 18 child’s name 1 to 10. sundown begin with ball. Count encourage together. the same the number your child to first letter of bounces. guess what using books, the story will magazines be about by and looking at the newspapers. cover.

Yellow week: Look through Read a poem Autumn Library Day! Find food Play a look for 19 magazines 20 together. 21 Begins 22 Have your 23 items or 24 matching 25 things that and books to child invite a animals that game or are yellow find things friend to the begin with match things this week. that are library. the same you have yellow.­ sound. Name around the the letter. house.

Go for a walk Practice Play 26 with your 27 writing­ your 28 29 hopscotch­ 30 child. Talk child’s name together. about what together. you see.

Good • Help Wanted, Must Love Books by Janet Sumner Johnson, books Illustrations by Courtney Dawson • The Book Hog by Greg Pizzoli for • One Day in the Eucalyptus, Eucalyptus Tree by Daniel Bernstrom, four- Illustrations by Brendan Wenzel and • Noisy Night by Mac Barnett, Illustrations by Brian Biggs five-year • Five Little Monkeys Reading in Bed by Eileen Christelow olds • Again! by Emily Gravett • This Book Just Ate My Dog! by Richard Byrne • The Summer Nick Taught His Cats to Read by Curtis Manley, Illustrations by Kate Berube • Decide on simple rules for using drawing & writing tools, “Markers may be School used at the kitchen table or outdoors.” Or “Scissors are for cutting paper.” OCTOBER • Draw pictures together about family events, daily experiences, etc. tools • Praise your child’s efforts. Perfection is not the goal. Display some of their 2021 work and change it from time to time. • Plan a healthy meal together. • Make a grocery list together. • Label belongings with your child’s name. • Encourage your child to use the tools to write a letter if he or she is interested in writing. • Practice how to hold scissors, how to open and close it, and how to hold the paper. • Try snipping paper first or even play-doh or plastic straws.

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday ■ Thanks for the memories. Chances are your own happy memories revolve around things you did with While out- Take your those you love. Really enjoy your child doors, allow 1 child for a 2 by taking time to have fun together every day. Sing your child to walk and songs while making dinner or driving the car. Take a draw on collect­ walk and look for ducks or interesting sticks. Play the sidewalk different­ ball, play house, play cards, play ANYTHING — with chalk. kinds of just do it together! leaves.

Read your Child Health Cut pictures Do jumping Library Day! Cut shapes Talk about favorite­ 3 Day 4 of expressive 5 jacks 6 7 out of paper 8 fall and have 9 children’s­ faces from together.­ to make a your child book to magazines picture. draw a your child. and make picture of a feelings a tree. collage.­ Make a Columbus Write a note Clap your Sort or count Show your Arrange a grocery 10 Day 11 with your 12 hands to the 13 things like 14 child how to 15 play date for 16 shopping list (observed) child to a beat of a socks, write his/her your child. grandparent,­ canned name using together. Indigenous song. relative or soups, upper- and Peoples Day friend. buttons,­ etc. lowercase letters.­

Count to 20 Make the bed Find food Practice Library Day! Practice fire Look at the or higher. 17 together. 18 items or 19 zipping.­ 20 21 safety: stop, 22 pictures­ in 23 animals­ that drop & roll. a book with begin with your child the same before sound as reading.­ your child’s first name. Name the letter.­

Orange week: Act out a Help your Plan a Make a neck- Clap your look for 24 favorite story. 25 child build 26 healthy meal 27 28 lace using 29 hands to the 30 things that Use puppets, his/her to eat on dental floss beat of a are orange dolls or name using Halloween. and cereal song today. this week. stuffed magnetic like animals.­ letters.­ Cheerios.™

Halloween Good • Go to Bed, Monster! by Natasha Wing, Illustrations by Sylvie Kantorovitz Encourage 31 books • Pete the Cat: Crayons Rock! by Kim Dean, Illustrations by James Dean your child • Henri’s Scissors by Jeanette Winter to say for • The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt, Illustrations by Oliver Jeffers “thank you” four- • A Squiggly Story by Andrew Larsen, Illustrations by Mike Lowery while trick-or- and • Red: A Crayon’s Story by Michael Hall treating. five-year • Monster Trouble by Lane Fredrickson, Illustrations by Michael Robertson olds • Linus the Little Yellow Pencil by Scott Magoon • Eraser by Anna Kang, Illustrations by Christopher Weyant • Save plastic water or soda bottles to • Teach your child games Get use as bowling pins. like “Hokey Pokey,” NOVEMBER • Toss bean bags or socks in a basket. “Red light-green light” moving • Balance books on your head while and “Simon Says.” 2021 walking. • Suggest your child • Visit a safe outdoor space so you can try to move like run and play together. different animals: • Play toss and catch together with a hop like a rabbit, rubber ball. slither like a snake, • Set up an obstacle course (inside fly like a bird. the house or out). Run through it or steer a tricycle/bike through it.

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

All Saints’ Election Day Hum or sing Library Day! Schedule a Have a Day a song as play date at dance party. 1 Sing ABCs. 2 3 4 5 6 you pick up a park. toys together.

Daylight Help your Have your Play Veterans Look in Have your Savings Time 7 child begin to 8 child tell a 9 hopscotch.­ 10 Day 11 books and 12 child draw a 13 Ends learn his/her story to a magazines picture or Turn clocks address and family for different write a note back one phone member.­ facial to a family hour. number. expressions:­ member­­ happy, sad, about excited,­ something scared, etc. he/she is thankful for. Brown week: Practice zip- Take a walk. Put on some Library Day! Teach your Go outside look for 14 ping, tying or 15 Find things 16 music and 17 18 child the ABC 19 and kick a 20 things that buttoning. that are dance with song. ball back and are brown brown. your child forth with this week. and a friend your child. or other fami- ly members.­

Help your Make a Go to the Read a Thanksgiving Native Exercise with child draw a 21 picture­ or 22 grocery­ store 23 Thanksgiving 24 Day 25 American 26 your child. 27 picture of decoration for and have story. Heritage Day Ask your child Count the your family. Thanksgiving. your child to help set number­ of help pick the table and arm ­circles or items for count the hops. Thanksgiving. items.

Hanukkah Say a word to Ask your child begins at 28 your child 29 to predict the 30 sundown­ and ask him/ end of a her to say story before words that you read it. rhyme.

■ Routines aren’t boring—they’re healthy. Children Good • Hip-Hop Lollipop by Susan Montanari, Illustrations by Brian Pinkney feel more secure when they know what to expect. books • Ninja! by Arree Chung Keep a basic structure to your day. An evening rou- • From Head to Toe by Eric Carle tine might include setting the table, eating dinner, for • On the Ball by Brian Pinkney playtime, bath time, snack, tooth brushing, three four- stories, ten kisses and lights out! When children • You Are a Lion and Other Fun Yoga Poses by Taeeun Yoo know what’s coming next, it’s easier for them to and • Move Your Mood! by Brenda S. Miles, Illustrations by Holly Clifton-Brown cooperate and you avoid a lot of temper tantrums. five-year • Spunky Little Monkey by Bill Martin, Illustrations by Brian Won olds • Is Everyone Ready for Fun? by Jan Thomas • It’s a Tiger! by David LaRochelle, Illustrations by Jeremy Tankard Letters • Use an uppercase letter followed • Invite your child to “read” familiar by lowercase letters when writing business signs as you run errands. DECEMBER and your child’s name. For example: • Read alphabet books and allow 2021 words at “Matthew.” him/her to name the letters • Make a name card for each mem- they ­recognize. home and ber of your family. Help your child • Read a book together then ask your around place them at the dinner table where child to go back and look for a cer- town everyone sits. tain letter of the alphabet found in • Use letter magnets on the refrigera- the story. tor or a cookie sheet to spell their • Write the alphabet on paper. Sing the name and familiar names: Mom, Dad. ABC song slowly and have your child • Place alphabet letters in a container. touch each letter as you go. Pull them out one at a time and name them.

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday ■ Regular Vision Exams Needed: Illinois law requires that proof of an eye examination by an Find circles Library Day! Have your Help your optometrist or physician who provides complete eye and squares 1 2 child write 3 child practice 4 examinations be submitted to the school no later around your his/her name zipping his/ than October 15th of the year the child is first house. on a card and her coat and enrolled or as required by the school for other chil- display it on take a walk dren. The examination must be completed within their bedroom together. one year prior to the child beginning school. door.

Name fruits Hanukkah Have your Have your Play a game Read a Make cookies and 5 Ends 6 child practice 7 child practice 8 that involves 9 favorite­ 10 with your 11 vegetables tying his/her saying your taking turns. winter­ book. child to share found shoes or the phone as a gift. in your shoes of number.­ refrigerator.­ someone else. Green week: Sing a Count to 50. Help your Library Day! Name four Put on music look for 12 favorite­ 13 14 child write 15 16 things that 17 and dance. 18 things that holiday­ song the letters of rhyme with are green this together.­ his/her first “cat.” week. name.

Countdown! Find all the Winter Make a list of Sing songs Christmas Christmas Count 19 red things in 20 begins 21 fun things to 22 today as you 23 Eve 24 Day 25 backwards your house. do over the clean house from 10. holidays. or cook dinner together.

Kwanzaa Read a Draw or write Practice the Library Day! New Year’s begins 26 holiday­ story 27 thank you 28 ABC song. 29 30 Eve 31 at bedtime. notes for holiday­ gifts received.

Good • Yoko Finds Her Way by Rosemary Wells books • Every Little Letter by Deborah Underwood, Illustrations by Joy Hwang Ruiz for • Did You Take the B from My _ook? by Beck Stanton four- • LMNO Peas by Keith Baker and • Look by Fiona Woodcock five-year • Let’s Go ABC!: Things That Go from A to Z by Rhonda Gowler Greene, olds Illustrations by Daniel Kirk • Oops, Pounce, Quick, Run! by Mike Twohy • If the S in Moose Comes Loose by Peter Hermann, Illustrations by Matthew Cordell • Talk math. Use words such as more, • Name and describe shapes when you Math is less; longer, shorter; heavy, light; etc. see them. That is a square napkin. JANUARY every- • Count out LOUD every day. Start at The box of cereal is a rectangle. 1 and count as you walk, put plates That tire is a circle. 2022 where! on the table, add apples to your • Count: “Let’s count the blocks.” grocery cart or as they wash their • Compare: “Which plate has more hands. Ask your child to count crackers?” with you. Pause and ask, • Explore: “Let’s go on a shape hunt “What number comes next?” — can you find circles?” • Hold up 5 fingers in front of your • Question: “I wonder how many cars child then quickly hide your hand. we can fit in this basket?” Ask, “how many fingers did • Sort: “Let’s put all the yellow pieces you see?” in this pile.”

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday YOU ■ are the best reward. When your child does a good job or learns a new skill, reward New Year’s him or her with your time and attention. Avoid Day 1 using treats or toys as rewards or bribes for good Kwanzaa behavior. Sweets aren’t healthy and toys cost Ends money. Time with you is free and builds bonds that last a lifetime.

Schedule eye, Scavenger Play Play counting Practice Practice fire Make or draw dental or 2 Hunt for 3 Simon Says. 4 games like 5 counting­ to 6 safety: stop, 7 a snowman 8 physical shapes “How many 10 or higher. drop & roll. with your exams around the blue things child. needed­ for house. do you see?” kindergarten. Blue week: Have your Continue Have your Library Day! Make an Recite look for 9 child divide a 10 teaching your 11 child try to tie 12 13 indoor 14 nursery­ 15 things that snack evenly child his/her his/her scarf. obstacle­ rhymes with are blue this to share. phone course. your child. week. number and address.

Make a Martin Look at Play “I Spy Rhyme time: Make a piggy Teach your grocery­ list. 16 Luther King 17 family­ 18 Numbers.” 19 what rhymes 20 bank together 21 child to play 22 Ask if an item Jr. Day pictures­ with black? out of a a board game is a fruit, together.­ coffee can with a friend. vegetable,­ or and start meat, etc. saving coins.

Point out Visit the Help your Read two Library Day! Sort laundry Sing some numbers 23 Early Math 24 child to make 25 books today. 26 27 together. 28 of your child’s 29 around town Collaborative his/her Match socks, favorite as you run website: favorite identify colors­ songs. errands. www.earlymath sandwich. and textures. .erikson.edu

Find things • Dog Loves Counting by Louise Yates around the Good 30 31 books • Count the Monkeys by Mac Barnett, Illustrations by Kevin Cornell house that • Crash! Boom! A Math Tale by Robie H. Harris, Illustrations by Chris Chatterton begin with for the same • Bear & Hare, Where’s Bear? by Emily Gravett letter­ sound. four- • City Shapes by Diana Murray, Illustrations by Bryan Collier Name the and • Pitter Pattern by Joyce Hesselberth letter.­ five-year • I See 1, 2, 3: Count Your Community with Sesame Street by Joyce Hesselberth olds • Everybunny Count! by Ellie Sandall • Is That Wise Pig? by Jan Thomas Thoughts • Turn off the music & movies in the and then tell you about it. car and talk about where you are • Model sympathy & caring for others, FEBRUARY and going, what you are going to do and “Dad isn’t feeling well. Let’s make what might happen when you him some soup.” 2022 ­feelings get there. • Talk about situations and how they • Turn off the TV and put down the might make people feel happy, sad, phone at meal times. Talk about what frustrated, angry, scared, etc. you did or are going to do today. • Encourage your child to talk about • As you read together ask your child and label his/her feelings. to tell you what he/she sees in • Teach calming techniques when each picture. you see your child becoming upset. • Ask your child to predict what will “Stop, take a deep breath, relax,” etc. happen before you turn the page. Visit www.csefel.vanderbilt.edu for • Ask your child to draw you a picture more ideas.

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday ■ The waiting game. Waiting is hard for all of us, but especially for children. Sometimes waiting can’t Lunar New Groundhog Sing the Count all the Play a game be avoided, so be prepared with a “bag of tricks.” Year 1 Day 2 ABC song. 3 doors and 4 together or 5 Maybe a bag with a notebook, colored pencils, and windows in as a family. a small hand held game or music player, books, your home. simple snacks like raisins or crackers and a juice box or water bottle. Keep a few simple songs in your head like Itsy Bitsy Spider or ABCs, make up a story, or just count the change in your pocket or purse. Time flies when you are BOTH having fun.

Read a story Make a list of Zip up! Take Make a meal Library Day! Make and Lincoln’s and ask your 6 people you 7 your child for 8 together. 9 10 send home- 11 Birthday 12 child what love and talk a walk and made (observed) his/her favor- about why invite a Valentine’s ite part was you love friend. Day cards to and why. them. loved ones on your list. Work on a Valentine’s Read a Read a Have your Find things Count to puzzle 13 Day 14 book that 15 book about 16 child invite a 17 around the 18 100. 19 together. talks about feelings. friend over to house that emotions. play. begin with the sound of the letter “M.”

Red week: Washington’s Play a board Play musical Library Day! Use a spoon Look outside look for 20 Birthday 21 game or card 22 chairs. 23 Ask your 24 and bowl to 25 and talk 26 things that game with librarian­ to tap out the about what are red this Presidents your child. recommend­ beat to your you see. week. Day new favorite song. (observed) children’s music.

Remember to Make pup- check with 27 pets out of 28 your school paper bags or for kindergar- socks and ten registra- act out a fun tion dates. activity.

Good • This Makes Me Happy by Courtney Carbone, Illustrations by Hilli Kushnir books • Why? by Laura Vaccaro Seeger • Talking Is Not My Thing by Rose Robbins for • Grumpy Pants by Claire Messer four- • Llama, Llama Mad at Mama by Anna Dewdney and • A Kiss Means I Love You by Kathryn Madeline Allen, Photographs by Eric Futran five-year • Wild Feelings by David Milgrim olds • The Many Colors of Harpreet Singh by Supriya Kelkar, Illustrations by Alea Marley • My Friend Is Sad by Mo Willems • Introducing children to rhymes and before they can recite whole rhymes Rhyme rhyming words and playing with independently). MARCH them gives children a head start in • Remember that nursery rhymes are time reading and spelling. portable, they can be enjoyed any- 2022 • Read Mother Goose rhymes with time, anyplace, anywhere! Share your child. After you’ve read one a them at bath time, when getting few times ask your child to complete ready for bed, while cooking or in the rhyme with the correct word: the car. “Hickory, Dickory, Dock. The mouse • Change words to make your own ran up the ___(clock)___.” personalized rhymes, for example, • As your child becomes more familiar “Nye and Jill went up the hill” or, with the rhymes, encourage them to “One for the master, one for the join in and say parts of the rhyme dame and one for Nia Hopkins, who themselves (it will take a while lives down the lane.”

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday ■ Love you, love me. Taking care of yourself makes you a better parent. Find a little quiet time each day Act out going Read Across Bake cookies Read two Read a to do something for you. Find a hobby, read a book, to the doctor 1 America 2 together. 3 books today. 4 simple­ 5 soak in a bubble bath. Develop healthy habits for or dentist. Count the Have your poem with you and your family. Love yourself and your child by Talk about number on child tell you your child. engaging in healthy, safe adult relationships. what might each tray. which is his/ happen. her favorite and why.

Purple week: Casimir Read a poem Cut out Library Day! Play Have your look for Pulaski Day shapes and “I Spy.” child practice 6 7 together. 8 9 Buy or rent a 10 11 12 things that play a jumping, hop- CD from the are purple matching ping on one library or this week. game. foot, and download a throwing and selection to catching a play and sing ball. along with in the car or while riding the bus.

Visit a zoo. Daylight Take a walk Continue Say the St. Patrick’s Find things Count to 50 Savings Time 13 and look for 14 teaching your 15 wrong words 16 Day 17 that begin 18 (or higher). 19 Begins signs of child his/her and let your with the Turn clocks spring. phone children sound of the one hour number and correct you! letter “D.” forward.­ address.

Spring Schedule a Find things Sing the Library Day! Read two Name a letter Begins 20 kindergarten 21 around the 22 ABC song. 23 24 books today. 25 and have 26 physical and home that Visit the Have your your child find dental exam begin with library to child choose items for your child. the sound of borrow­ the books. beginning the letter “J.” nursery­ with that rhyme sound. books.

Pick objects Sing songs Practice Practice Listen to a around your 27 with rhyming 28 writing­ 29 opposites 30 story on tape 31 house that sounds. numbers­ with your or CD with rhyme: 1–5. child (up/ your child. sock- rock; down, in/out, hat-cat; over/under). chair-bear.

Good • Bunnies on the Bus by Philip Ardagh, Illustrations by Ben Mantle books • The Book With No Pictures by B. J. Novak • The Cow Tripped Over the Moon: a Nursery Rhyme Emergency by Jeanne Willis for • King Jack and the Dragon by Peter Bentley, Illustrations by Helen Oxenbury four- • Cock-A-Doodle-Doo, Creak, Pop-pop, Moo by Jim Aylesworth, Illustrations by Brad Sneed and • Frog on a Log? by Kes Gray, Illustrations by Jim Field five-year • Noisy Night by Mac Barnett, Illustrations by Brian Biggs olds • Make Way for Readers by Judy Sierra, Illustrations by G. Brian Karas • Mary Had a Little Lab by Sue Fliess, Illustrations by Petros Bouloubasis • Pre-view age-appropriate TV programs, videos, music, computer Technology games, websites and apps to be sure they teach what you want APRIL your child to learn. as a • Set time limits on all electronics. Children need opportunities to 2022 run, play, explore and use their imaginations. teaching tool • Keep TV, computers, tablets, etc in a public area of your home not the child’s bedroom to allow for easier monitoring. • Watch programs or play games together. Talk- use this time to teach and connect with your child. • Check out DVD’s from the library on topics that interest your child such as animals, outer space, etc. • Turn electronics off at mealtime. Use the time to talk about your day.

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday ■ Do you get tired of saying “no” and “don’t do that” all the time? Try switching it up and give your April Fools’ child positive directions. Tell them what to do rather Day 1 2 than what NOT to do: Say “use your quiet voice” Count to instead of “don’t yell!” or “keep the water in the 100. bathtub” instead of “quit splashing.” Being positive sets a more pleasant mood and children are more likely to follow directions happily.

First Day of Continue Have your Take a walk Library Day! Review Paint or draw Ramadan teaching your child name and talk “stranger 3 4 5 6 Let your child 7 8 a picture 9 child his/her letters­ found about the danger” pick out a today. phone on cereal different­ rules. video the number and boxes, cans, sounds you whole family address. etc. hear. will enjoy. Find letters in Visit the PBS Cook Take a walk. Good Friday Watch TV with the Sunday web site: something­ Look for your child. 10 11 12 13 14 Passover 15 16 paper or a www.pbskids together flowers­ Discuss what begins at magazine. .org. today. Talk starting­ to you see and sunset about kitchen bloom. feel. safety.

Easter Continue Play shape Library Day! Earth Day Put on music Sunday teaching your scavenger and dance 17 18 19 20 Bring a friend 21 22 23 child his/her hunt. and clap to to the library phone the beat. and check number and out a movie address. together.

Pink week: Draw a Have your Practice Practice Practice Practice fire look for 24 picture­ of 25 child begin to 26 writing­ the 27 printing by 28 writing­ 29 safety: stop, 30 things that spring. learn his/her ABCs. tracing the numbers­ drop & roll. are pink this birth date letters of 1–10. week. and age. your child’s name on a piece of paper.

Good Websites Books media • www.pbskids.org • Bot + Boy by Ame Dyckman, Illustrations by Dan Yaccarino resources • www.pbs.org/parents • Doll-E 1.0 by Shanda McCloskey for four- • www.sesameworkshop.org/sesamestreet/DVDs • Tea With Grandpa by Barney Saltzberg • See How They Grow series from DK and Sony Wonder • Doug Unplugged by Dan Yaccarino and • PBS Series (Sid the Science Kid, Super WHY, WordWorld) • Unplugged by Steve Anthony five-year • Sesame Street series (Kids Favorite Songs, Sing Hoot and Howl • Hair Love by Matthew A. Cherry, Illustrations by Vashti Harrison olds with the Sesame Street Animals, Learning About Numbers) • Turn household chores into learning stickers, drawings or pictures cut Play games — match socks as you fold from magazines. MAY laundry or line up canned goods by • Use Legos to create color patterns. and size. These activities can build math Have your child continue the 2022 and cooperation skills. Feeling useful pattern: red, yellow, black, red, … learn also helps children feel good which what comes next? encourages them to continue to want • Play seek and find. “Find something to be helpful. yellow in the kitchen.” “Find some- • Children can help set the table. thing that is square.” Extend their memory by giving 3 • Pour and measure together in the step directions (Please get the milk kitchen, the bathtub or use a bucket from the refrigerator. Set it on the of water outside on a hot summer table. Get the napkins). day filled with measuring spoons • Make matching pairs of cards with and cups.

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Ramadan Find things Make up non- Play with Cinco de Play Simon Remember to Ends 1 that begin 2 sense rhymes 3 measuring 4 Mayo 5 Says. Focus 6 say “please” 7 with the and laugh cups and Library Day! on exercise and “thank sound of the together. water activities you” today. letter “L.” Say outside.­ (hopping, the name of bending over, the letter. touching toes).

Mother’s Day Count from Look through Sing a Practice the Name words Visit the zoo 8 1 to 10 or as 9 old maga- 10 favorite song 11 ABC song. 12 that rhyme 13 or read a 14 high as your zines and cut with your with “can.” book about child can out circles, child. animals. count. squares, and rectangles. Start a Help your Practice Play "I Spy." Library Day! Help a Sort coins Brightstart 15 child practice 16 writing­ 17 (Remember 18 19 neighbor­ 20 into groups 21 College shoe tying. numbers­ to include today. by color Savings 1–10. black or size. account at www objects.) .brightstartsavings .com.

Black week: Write ABCs After listening Find things Play Play a game Keep the TV look for 22 or family 23 to a story, 24 around the 25 hopscotch.­ 26 together such 27 off today. 28 things that names. have your house that as Memory Read books are black this child tell you are square, or Go Fish. and play week. what circular, and games happened rectangular. instead. first, next, and last.

Squirt water Memorial Help your on the side- 29 Day 30 child write 31 walk and time his/her Go outside how long it name. and play takes to catch. evaporate. Ask “How long do you think it will take?”

Good • Let’s Count Goats by Mem Fox, Illustrations by Jan Thomas books • Drum Dream Girl: How One Girl’s Courage Changed Music by Margarita Engle, Illustrations for by Rafael López • Monsters Love Colors by Mike Austin four- • Let’s Play! by Hervé Tullet and • How Do You Say? / ¿Cómo Se Dice? by Angela Dominguez five-year • Shape Up, Construction Trucks! by Victoria Allenby olds • Play Like an Animal! by Maria Gianferrari, Illustrations by Mia Powell • Cut out pictures or gather items that follow up with “Why?” Or in the Critical go together and ask your child to ­grocery store ask “Chicken or fish JUNE match: shoe & sock; flower & vase; for dinner?” 2022 ­thinking car & tire; fork & spoon, etc. • Hide common objects from the and • When your child becomes frustrated house in a box or bag. Ask your while playing a game or playing with child to close his/her eyes and reach problem a friend, refrain from jumping in and inside. Don’t pull the item out but solving the problem. Instead, ask feel it and try to guess what it is. solving questions and guide your child by • Cook in the kitchen together and ask asking “How did that happen?” and questions as you mix and stir and “What can you do differently?” bake. “What will happen when we • Ask your child for their opinion on add this milk to the flour?” “What simple problems such as “Should we will happen to the frosting when I wash the car or take a walk?” Then add this drop of food coloring?”

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

Practice Library Day! Color a pic- Find things writing­ ture together. that begin 1 Review 2 3 4 numbers­ Cut it into with the “stranger 1–20. puzzle pieces sound of the danger” and try to put letter “S.” rules. it back together.

White week: Reminder: Make a picnic Practice fire Play a game Bake a cake Plant flowers look for 5 Did you 6 lunch with 7 safety: stop, 8 of Go Fish or 9 together 10 together in a 11 things that schedule a your child drop & roll. Old Maid. today. pot or in the are white this kindergarten and eat ground and week. physical and outside. water the dental exam? flowers. Have your Have you Flag Day Cut up an old Library Day! Work on a Draw a child invite scheduled an greeting card puzzle picture­ of 12 13 Have your 14 15 16 17 18 a friend over eye exam? in puzzle- together. fun things child match to play. like shapes. to do in the socks as you Ask your child summer. fold laundry. to fit the pieces­ back together.

Father’s Day Go outside Summer Practice Count groups Start a Draw shapes 19 and ask 20 begins 21 writing­ 22 of ten using a 23 nursery­ 24 outside using 25 your child numbers­ cereal like rhyme and sidewalk to repeat 1–20. Cheerios™. have your chalk. patterns:­ child finish it. step-step- jump, clap- clap-pat, etc.

Find small Continue Make lemon- Read a story Library Day! scoops, cups, 26 teaching your 27 ade. Ask your 28 to your child. 29 30 and balls child his/her child to help Point to each around the phone num- measure word as you house. Use ber and ingredients. read. them for address. waterplay outside.­

Good • Unstoppable by Adam Rex, Illustrations by Laura Park books • When Sophie Thinks She Can’t … by Molly Bang • What’s Up Bear? by Frieda Wishinsky for • Have You Seen My Trumpet? by Michaël Escoffier, Illustrations by Kris Di Giacomo four- • Do You Know Which Ones Will Grow by Susan A. Shea, Illustrations by Tom Slaughter and • You Are Not Small by Anna Kang, Illustrations by Christopher Weyant five-year • Jabari Tries by Gaia Cornwall olds • The Little Red Fort by Brenda Maier, Illustrated by Sonia Sanchez • B. Bear & Lolly: Catch That Cookie! by A. A. Livingston • Make a book by stapling or tying blank pages together with yarn. All • Find photos of your child to put in the book. Give them magazines to cut out JULY pictures of things they like. 2022 about • Ask your child questions and write the question and their exact answer in the book: My name is ______; I like to ______; me My favorite food is ______; My favorite color is ______; I like it when my mom ______; etc • Make another page of personal information your child should know and ­practice this often: My name is______; I am a ______; I was born on ______; My address is ______; My phone number is ______; I’m allergic to ______; In an emergency I should call ______; etc.

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday ■ Seven positives. Did you know on average it takes seven positive comments to balance the Draw a Write simple effect of just one negative comment? Saying “good picture­ of 1 names or 2 girl” or “good boy” isn’t enough. Be specific and tell your family words. your child what was good about it. For example, and have “Wow. That tower is the tallest you’ve ever built. You your child say worked really hard on it and I like the columns on the first and the side.” last names of each member.­

Have your Independence Play a Have your Continue Play “I Spy” Pick two child retell a 3 Day 4 toss game 5 child find 6 teaching your 7 for the 8 books to read 9 story or event together.­ things that child his/her number­ 1. today. in order (first, are his/her phone middle, last). favorite color. number and address. Find your Find objects Play a Have your Library Day! Find things Visit a child’s 10 that rhyme 11 “freeze“ 12 child invite a 13 14 that begin 15 farmers’­ 16 favorite color with “pig.” game or friend over to with the market.­ throughout “Stop and play. sound of the this week. Go.” letter “T.”

Explore a Fly a kite. Practice Have a Count to Pick a game Practice different 17 18 writing letters 19 dance party. 20 101. 21 for family 22 naming­ 23 culture! and numbers.­ game night. opposites, Read and talk like up/down, about it. on/off, etc.

Picnic day. Count Practice fire Go outside Library Day! Make sun tea Take a walk 24 pennies…­ 25 safety: stop, 26 and play 27 28 or lemonade 29 and count the 30 count as high drop & roll. Hopscotch or together. trees or other as you can. swing. Share with a things you friend. see.

Good • Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Peña, 31 books Illustrations by Christian Robinson • Ho’onani: Hula Warrior by Heather Gale, Illustrations by Mika Song for • The Family Book by Todd Parr four- • Remarkably You by Pat Zietlow Miller, Illustrations by Patrice Barton and • Why Am I Me? by Paige Britt, Illustrated by Sean Qualls and Selina Alko five-year • I Like Myself by Karen Beaumont, Illustrations by David Catrow olds • Our Favorite Day of the Year by A. E. Ali, Illustrations by Rahele Jomepour Bell • I’m Gonna Like Me: Letting Off a Little Self-Esteem by Jamie Lee Curtis. Illustrations by Laura Cornell • Before the first day of school, choose school supplies and label them. Get • Play school together and take turns being the teacher. AUGUST • Eat a meal from a lunch box or tray. Show your child how to clean up and 2022 ready! open milk/juice cartons. • Visit your child’s school and explore the classroom and playground. • Talk about the kinds of things they will be doing at school. • Two weeks before school starts, adjust your child’s bed time to what it will be during the school year. • Create a healthy routine that allows time for family meal, homework, play, bath, teeth brushing and a bedtime story. • Practice zippers, buttons, opening backpack, putting on tennis shoes. Not all children have mastered shoe tying by the first day of school and that’s OK. Just remember to practice once in a while.

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

Draw a Put together Make a tent Make extra Play “I Spy Shop for picture­ of 1 a puzzle with 2 inside. Read 3 snuggle time 4 Colors.” 5 school 6 your new your child. books in it. today. supplies.­ school.

Adjust bed- Practice Adjust your Visit your new Library Day! Find words Label school time to what 7 zipping­ and 8 child’s daily 9 school and 10 11 that rhyme 12 supplies 13 it will be buttoning. routine to play on the with “me.” together. when school match their playground.­ starts. school routine.­ Pretend it is Practice As you pick Draw a Talk about Count how Look for the first day 14 writing­ 15 out fruits 16 picture.­ 17 your day at 18 many red 19 things that 22 of school. numbers­ and Talk about it. dinner. clothes you begin with Practice 1–25. vegetables at Write what have. “P.” Point out ways to say the grocery your child the letter “P” goodbye. store, have says. in print. your child name the colors.

Cut pictures Organize Play with ice Read a book Library Day! Help your Read an out of 21 what your 22 cubes out- 23 about going 24 25 child write 26 extra book. 27 magazines.­ child will side. Watch to school and his/her name Spend need for the how fast they ask your child and identify­ extra time first day of melt. to retell the each letter. snuggling.­ school. story.

Continue Name all Use addition Have your teaching your 28 the foods on 29 and subtrac- 30 child talk 31 child his/her your plate. tion words about the phone What is your like “I have steps in number and favorite? one cookie the planting address. and you have project.­ two cookies. That makes three cookies.”­

Good • Lena’s Shoes Are Nervous: A First-Day-of-School Dilemma by Keith Calabrese, books Illustration by Juana Medina • All Are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold, Illustrated by Suzanne Kaufman for • How Do Dinosaurs Go to School by Jane Yolen four- • Monkey Not Ready for Kindergarten by Marc Brown and • School’s First Day of School by Adam Rex, Illustrations by Christian Robinson five-year • Mission: Back to School: Top-Secret Information by Susan Hood, Illustrations by olds Mary Lundquist • The King of Kindergarten by Derrick Barnes, Illustrations by Vanessa Brantley-Newton Kindergarten Registration Information All parents/legal guardians of children • Proof of residency (required for all who will be five years of age on or before ­registrants) — copy of signed mortgage, Kindergarten September 1 are encouraged to register contract to build or lease agreement Readiness Websites their children for kindergarten. showing the owner/resident’s name and address OR TWO of the following items: • Early Learning Tip Sheet with links: Early registration begins as early as ➤ Utility bills which have the name and illinoisearlylearning.org/relists/ March 1 for some schools. Check with getready-kindergarten/ address of the resident your local school district for your • Games, articles, and resources to ➤ Valid driver’s license ­kindergarten ­registration information. make back-to-school fun: ➤ Voter registration card www.scholastic.com/parents/ In most cases, the parent/legal guard- ➤ State medical card resources/collection/back-to-school/ back-to-school-start-smart ian will need to bring the following for ➤ Notarized affidavit of residency from • Kindergarten milestones and skill ­kindergarten registration: the parent or person with whom the builders by subject: child is residing, affirming that the www.familyeducation.com/school- • Child’s official birth certificate child eats and sleeps at the residence learning/kindergarten (with raised seal) • Getting School Ready! Guide (available • Child’s social security number All students entering kindergarten must in several languages, including provide documentation of a current Spanish and Chinese). This free ­physical examination and immunizations downloadable brochure provides tips to help parents prepare their children PRIOR to starting school, AND proof of for entering kindergarten: a dental exam. You do not need proof thrivewa.org/gettingschoolready/ of a physical or dental exam to register your child. It is recommended that you make your child’s appointments for a kindergarten physical and dental exam by April or even earlier! Students who do not have physical and dental exams by the first day of school may not be allowed to attend school. Local Libraries CHILDHOOD IMMUNIZATION Our local libraries circulate books, magazines, DVDs, CDs, Recommended schedule, birth to 18 years.

toys and kits, books on tape, large print books, and other materials. Immunizations are done by appointment only. Call 217-531-4317 Many provide programs for children six months and older. in Champaign County to schedule. Parent or legal guardian must sign consent forms. Must bring current shot record. Charges may vary for each immunization, public aid card/cash/check/or billing. • Champaign Public Library • Rantoul Public Library 200 W. Green 106 W. Flessner • DTaP: Give at 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, and 15 -18 months. Booster dose at 4 - 6 years. Champaign, IL 61820-5193 Rantoul, IL 61866 • 893-3955 • IPV: Give at 2 months, 4 months, and 6 months. Main: 403-2000 www.rantoul.lib.il.us Booster dose at 4 - 6 years. Youth Dept.: 403-2030 • Sidney Community Library • HIB: Give at 2 months, 4 months, and 6 months. Booster dose at 12-15 months. www.champaign.org 221 S. David St. • Rotavirus: Given at 2 months, 4 months, and 6 months. • Douglass Branch Library Sidney, IL 61877 • 688-2332 Series cannot be started after 15 weeks. 504 E. Grove St. • St. Joseph Township Swearingen • Hepatitis A: Dose #1 at 12 months. Dose #2, given 6 months after #1. Champaign, IL 61820 • 403-2090 Memorial Library • Hepatitis B: Give at birth to 2 months, #2 at 4 months, and www.champaign.org 201 N. Third St. #3 at 6 months or older. • Homer Community Library St. Joseph, IL 61873 • 469-2159 • Prevnar: Give at 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, and 12-15 months. 500 E. 2nd St. www.stjosephtownshiplibrary.info • MMR/MMRV: Dose #1 given at 12 -15 months. Homer, IL 61849-1223 • 896-2121 • Tolono Public Library District Booster at 4 to 6 years. homervillage.com/HomerLibrary.htm 111 Main St. • P. O. Box 759 • HPV: Given to boys and girls age 11 - 14 years with 1st dose prior to age 15 (only two doses are needed 6 months apart). • Mahomet Public Library District Tolono, IL 61880-0759 • 485-5558 If a boy or girl receives 1st dose after 15th birthday then a 1702 E. Oak St. www.tolonolibrary.org three dose schedule is required (1st dose, two months Mahomet, IL 61853 • 586-2611 • Urbana Free Library later – 2nd dose, and four months after 2nd dose the 3rd dose is given). www.mahometpubliclibrary.org 210 W. Green St. • Td/Tdap: Booster every 10 years. Required prior to 6th grade • Ogden Rose Public Library Urbana, IL 61801-3283 and high school entry in Illinois. 103 W. Main Main: 367-4057 • Meningitis: 1st dose age 11-12 years required for 6th grade entry, 2nd dose 16-18 years required for 12th grade entry. Ogden, IL 61859 • 582-2411 Children’s Dept.: 367-4069 • Pediarix (Dtap, IPV and Hep B) and Comvax (HIB/HepB) ogdenroselibrary.blogspot.com/ www.urbanafreelibrary.org may be used to reduce the number of immunizations given • Philo Public Library District to infants. 115 E. Washington The CUPHD Immunization Programs follow the recommended Philo, IL 61864-0199 • 684-2896 immunization schedule outlined by the ACIP (Advisory www.philolibrary.info Committee on Immunization Practices), AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics), and the AAFP (American Academy of Family Physicians). Champaign County Elementary Schools CHAMPAIGN SCHOOL Stratton Academy of the Arts OGDEN COMMUNITY SCHOOL THOMASBORO CONSOLIDATED NON-PUBLIC SCHOOLS DISTRICT #4 902 North Randolph Street DISTRICT #212 SCHOOL DISTRICT#130 Calvary Baptist Christian Academy Champaign, IL 61820 • 373-7330 Champaign Administration Prairieview-Ogden South Thomasboro Grade School 2106 E. Windsor Road Mellon Administrative Center Westview Elementary School Elementary School 201 North Phillips, Box 99 Urbana, IL 61802 • 367-2262 703 South New Street 703 South Russell 106 N Vine Street Thomasboro, IL 61878 • 643-3275 Canaan Academy Champaign, IL 61820 • 351-3800 Champaign, IL 61821 • 351-3905 Royal, IL 61871 207 North Central Avenue Barkstall Elementary School TOLONO SCHOOL DISTRICT #7 Urbana, IL 61801 • 367-6590 2201 Hallbeck Drive FISHER SCHOOL DISTRICT #1 PRAIRIE VIEW OGDEN SCHOOL Unity East Elementary School Countryside School Champaign, IL 61822 • 373-5580 DISTRICT #197 Fisher Elementary School 1638 County Road 1000 N 4301 West Kirby Booker T. Washington 801 S 5th St Prairie View Ogden North Philo, IL 61864 • 684-5218 Champaign, IL 61822 • 355-1253 Elementary School Fisher, IL 61843 • 897-1133 PO Box 27 Unity West Elementary School Holy Cross Elementary School 606 East Grove Street Royal, IL 61871 • 538-3300 1035 County Road 600 N 410 West White Street Champaign, IL 61820 • 351-3901 GIFFORD SCHOOL DISTRICT #188 Prairie View Ogden South Tolono, IL 61880 • 485-3918 Champaign, IL 61820 • 356-9521 Bottenfield Elementary School Gifford Grade School 304 N Market Judah Christian School 1801 South Prospect Ave. 406 South Main, Box 70 Ogden, IL 61859 • 582-2725 URBANA SCHOOL DISTRICT #116 908 North Prospect Avenue Champaign, IL 61820 • 351-3807 Gifford, IL 61847 • 568-7733 RANTOUL CITY SCHOOLS #137 Urbana Administration Champaign, IL 61820 • 359-1701 Carrie Busey Elementary School Jean F. Burkholder Administrative Devonshire KinderCare 304 Prairie Rose Ln HERITAGE SCHOOL DISTRICT #8 Broadmeadow School Service Center 410 Devonshire Drive Savoy, IL 61874 • 351-3811 Heritage Junior High and 500 Sunview 205 N. Race Street Rantoul, IL 61866 • 893-5405 Urbana, IL 61801 • 384-3600 Champaign, IL 61820 • 356-9000 Dr. Howard Elementary School Elementary School The Montessori School of 1117 West Park Avenue 512 West First Eastlawn School Wiley Elementary School Champaign Urbana Champaign, IL 61821 • 351-3866 Homer, IL 61849 • 896-2421 650 North Maplewood Drive 1602 South Anderson Street Rantoul, IL 61866 • 893-5404 Urbana, IL 61801 • 384-3670 1403 Regency Drive East Garden Hills Elementary School LUDLOW SCHOOL DISTRICT #142 Savoy, IL 61874 • 356-1818 2001 Garden Hills Drive Northview School Leal Elementary School Next Generation School Champaign, IL 61821 • 351-3872 Ludlow School 400 North Sheldon 312 West Oregon Street 245 South Orange, Box 130 Rantoul, IL 61866 • 893-5403 Urbana, IL 61801 • 384-3618 2521 Galen Drive International Prep Academy Ludlow, IL 60949 • 396-5261 Champaign, IL 61821 • 356-6995 1605 West Kirby Ave Pleasant Acres School Martin Luther King Jr. St. John Lutheran School Champaign, IL 61821 • 351-3995 1625 Short Street Elementary School MAHOMET-SEYMOUR SCHOOL Rantoul, IL 61866 • 893-5402 1108 West Fairview Avenue 509 South Mattis Avenue Kenwood Elementary DISTRICT #3 Urbana, IL 61801 • 384-3675 Champaign, IL 61821 • 359-1714 1001 Stratford Dr Lincoln Trail Elementary School St. Malachy School Champaign, IL 61821 • 351-3815 ST. JOSEPH SCHOOL Dr. Preston L. Williams Jr. Elementary 102 East State, Box 200 DISTRICT #169 2102 East Washington Street 340 East Belle Avenue Robeson Elementary School Mahomet, IL 61853 • 586-2811 Rantoul, IL 61866-1804 • 892-2011 St. Joseph Grade School Urbana, IL 61802 • 384-3628 2501 Southmoor Drive Middletown Prairie Elementary School 404 South Fifth Street, Box 409 St. Matthew School Champaign, IL 61821 • 351-3884 Thomas Paine Elementary School 1301 South Bulldog Drive St. Joseph, IL 61873 • 469-2291 1801 James Cherry Drive 1307 Lincolnshire Drive South Side Elementary School Mahomet, IL 61853 • 586-5833 Urbana, IL 61802 • 384-3602 Champaign, IL 61821 • 359-4114 712 South Pine Street University Primary School Champaign, IL 61820 • 351-3890 Yankee Ridge Elementary School 2102 South Anderson Street 51 Gerty Drive

Urbana, IL 61801 • 384-3607 Champaign, IL 61820 • 333-3996

Parent Resources DEVELOPMENTAL SCREENINGS CHAMPAIGN COUNTY HOME VISITING READING ROCKETS CONSORTIUM www.readingrockets.org All children develop in unique ways and at different Are you a parent of a child under age five and Reading Rockets offers a wealth of strategies, rates. Screenings are a fun and comfortable way would like support around parenting and resources lessons, and activities designed to help young to learn how a child is developing, and to address for you or you and your child? There’s a group of children learn to read. developmental questions parents and caregivers home visiting programs in Champaign County that may have. THE ILLINOIS EARLY LEARNING PROJECT would love to connect with you. The Champaign illinoisearlylearning.org/resources/relists/ Champaign County residents can have their chil­ County Home Visiting consortium makes sure that Provides evidence-based, reliable information on dren screened by calling their local school district: every child has what they need to succeed and early care and education for parents, caregivers, • Champaign: (217) 351-3881 every parent has the support they need. Please call and teachers of young children in Illinois. The • *Urbana: (217) 384-3616 217-384-3616 for additional information to get you site offers printable Tip Sheets for caregivers and • Mahomet-Seymour: (217) 586-5833 connected with a home visiting program that best parents, Frequently Asked Questions (and their • Rural Champaign County: fits your family’s needs. (217) 892-8877 answers), a customized question-answering service, • *Developmental Services Center: PARENTING 24/7 a statewide calendar of events for parents and (217) 356-9176 parenting247.org caregivers, and links to “The Best of the Web” on News, information, and advice on parenting and topics related to early care and education. *Can do birth to 3 year old screenings. family life designed for parents and grandparents BORN LEARNING of children ages newborn to teen. Features include www.bornlearning.org OTHER RESOURCES articles with research-based information, video Site provides resources to help parents, caregivers, clips of parents and experts discussing timely AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PEDIATRICS and communities support early learning. www.aap.org age-based topics, breaking news and commentary, Health and wellness information for families newsletters, and recommendations to the best ZERO TO THREE including information on developmental stages, parenting resources on the web. www.zerotothree.org Provides information about child development and immunizations, and parenting. SCHOLASTIC care in areas such as early brain develop­ment, www.scholastic.com/parents/ 2-1-1 or www.211.ORG early language and literacy, and play. A FREE confidential phone hotline available Provides information, activities, and advice for 24/7/365 to answer questions and provide parents with a focus on literacy and learning. referrals. Call whenever you need assistance with PBS PARENTS emergency shelter, food pantries, day care, rent www.pbs.org/parents or utility assistance, elderly care, mental health Information about child development and fun services, employment, health resources, domestic educational activities for children to help get them abuse, education, vocational training, disability ready for school. resources, counseling, disaster recovery, or drug and alcohol rehabilitation. 40 Developmental Assets for Early Childhood The Search Institute has identified forty building ➤ The more assets children have the better. Research shows that adolescents who report having more blocks that are essential for helping children assets are more likely to be successful in school and in their personal life. The Search Institute has become healthy, caring, and responsible found that most adolescents have only 18 to 20 of these 40 Developmental Assets™. individuals. These building blocks, also called ➤ Starting early is critical to helping children build assets. Your use of this Kindergarten Readiness Developmental Assets™, are competencies that Calendar is a great start. children develop through their experiences with people in their world (parents, teachers, child care ➤ Review the Developmental Assets™ list below and see how you can help children entering kindergarten providers, librarians, bus drivers, and others). build their assets.

EXTERNAL ASSETS 15. Positive peer relationships—Parent(s) and 29. Honesty—The child begins to understand the caregivers seek to provide opportunities for the difference between truth and lies, and is truthful to SUPPORT child to interact positively with other children. the extent of her or his understanding. 1. Family support—Parent(s) and/or primary CONSTRUCTIVE USE OF TIME 30. Responsibility—The child begins to follow caregiver(s) provide the child with high levels of through on simple tasks to take care of her- or 16. Positive expectations—Parent(s), caregivers, consistent and predictable love, physical care, and himself and to help others. positive attention in ways that are responsive to and teachers encourage and support the child in the child’s individuality. behaving appropriately, undertaking challenging 31. Self-regulation—The child increasingly can tasks, and performing activities to the best of her identify, regulate, and control her or his behaviors 2. Positive family communication—Parent(s) and/or or his ability. in healthy ways, using adult support constructively primary care­giver(s) express themselves positively in particularly stressful situations. and respectfully, engaging young children in conver­ 17. Play and creative activities—The child has sations that invite their input. daily opportunities to play in ways that allow self- SOCIAL COMPETENCIES expression, physical activity, and interaction with 3. Other adult relationships—With the family’s 32. Planning and decision making—The child others. support, the child experiences consistent, caring begins to plan for the immediate future, choosing relationships with adults outside the family. 18. Out-of-home and community programs—The from several options and trying to solve problems. child experiences well-designed programs led 4. Caring neighbors—The child’s network of 33. Interpersonal skills—The child cooperates, by competent, caring adults in well maintained relationships includes neighbors who provide shares, plays harmoniously, and comforts others in settings. emotional support and a sense of belonging. distress. 19. Religious community—The child participates 5. Caring climate in child-care and educational 34. Cultural awareness and sensitivity—The child in age-appropriate religious activities and caring settings—Caregivers and teachers create begins to learn about her or his own cultural relationships that nurture her or his spiritual environments that are nurturing, accepting, identity and to show acceptance of people who are development. encouraging, and secure. racially, physically, culturally, or ethnically different 20. Time at home—The child spends most of her from her or him. 6. Parent involvement in child care and education— or his time at home participating in family activities Parent(s), caregivers, and teachers together create and playing constructively, with parent(s) guiding TV a consistent and supportive approach to fostering and electronic game use. the child’s successful growth. EMPOWERMENT INTERNAL ASSETS 35. Resistance skills—The child begins to sense danger accurately, to seek help from trusted adults, 7. Community cherishes and values young COMMITMENT TO LEARNING children—Children are welcomed and included and to resist pressure from peers to participate in throughout community life. 21. Motivation to mastery—The child responds to unacceptable or risky behavior. new experiences with curiosity and energy, resulting 8. Children seen as resources—The community 36. Peaceful conflict resolution—The child begins in the pleasure of mastering new learning and to compromise and resolve conflicts without using demonstrates that children are valuable resources skills. by investing in a child-rearing system of family physical aggression or hurtful language. 22. Engagement in learning experiences—The child support and high-quality activities and resources POSITIVE IDENTITY to meet children’s physical, social, and emotional fully participates in a variety of activities that offer 37. Personal power—The child can make choices needs. opportunities for learning. that give a sense of having some influence over 23. Home-program connection—The child 9. Service to others—The child has opportunities things that happen in her or his life. to perform simple but meaningful and caring experiences security, consistency, and connections 38. Self-esteem—The child likes her- or himself actions for others. between home and out-of-home care programs and learning activities. and has a growing sense of being valued by others. 10. Safety—Parent(s), caregivers, teachers, 39. Sense of purpose—The child anticipates new neighbors, and the community take action to 24. Bonding to programs—The child forms opportunities, experiences, and milestones in ensure children’s health and safety. meaningful connections with out-of-home care and educational programs. growing up. BOUNDARIES & EXPECTATIONS 25. Early literacy—The child enjoys a variety 40. Positive view of personal future—The child 11. Family boundaries—The family provides of pre-reading activities, including adults reading finds the world interesting and enjoyable, and feels consistent supervision for the child and maintains to her or him daily, looking at and handling books, that he or she has a positive place in it. reasonable guidelines for behavior that the child playing with a variety of media, and showing can understand and achieve. interest in pictures, letters, and numbers. 12. Boundaries in child-care and educational POSITIVE VALUES settings—Caregivers and educators use positive approaches to discipline and natural consequences 26. Caring—The child begins to show empathy, to encourage self-regulation and acceptable understanding, and awareness of others’ feelings. behaviors. 27. Equality and social justice—The child begins This information may be reproduced for educational, to show concern for people who are excluded noncommercial uses only. Copyright © 2005 by 13. Neighborhood boundaries—Neighbors Search Institute, 615 First Avenue N.E., encourage the child in positive, acceptable from play and other activities or not treated fairly Suite 125, Minneapolis, MN 55413; behavior, as well as intervene in negative behavior because they are different. 800-888-7828; www.search-institute.org. All Rights Reserved. The following are registered in a supportive, nonthreatening way. 28. Integrity—The child begins to express her trademarks of Search Institute: Search Institute®, 14. Adult role models—Parent(s), caregivers, or his views appropriately and to stand up for a Developmental Assets® and Healthy Communities and other adults model self-control, social skills, growing sense of what is fair and right. Healthy Youth®. engagement in learning, and healthy lifestyles. Places to Go in Champaign County Young children are curious about the world around them. Introduce your child to new things: parks, zoos, museums, hiking, sporting events, and restaurants. Invite a friend! Here are some fun places to go with your child. Visit the web site www.chambanamoms.com for current children’s activities throughout Champaign County.

FARMERS MARKET PARKS & PLAYGROUNDS POOLS & WATER PLAY Champaign Farmers Market Ambucs Park Crystal Lake Park Family Aquatic Center Parking Lot M off Neil St between Washington 1140 E University Ave, Urbana 1401 N Broadway, Urbana • 239-7946 and Main Accessible ­playground, picnic tables. Visit website or call for hours and pricing. Fresh produce, homemade food & craft items. www.urbanaparks.org/parks/ambucs-park Open Memorial Day–Labor Day. www.thelandconnection.org/market Blair Park Waterslides, climbing wall, sand play area, activity pool, Champaign Country Fair Farmers’ Market 1402 S Vine St, Urbana vortex, water-based fitness classes, swim lessons. 229 S Mattis Avenue Ball fields, playground, shuffleboard courts. www.urbanaparks.org/facilities/crystal-lake-park-family- www.farmersmarketonline.com/fm/ www.urbanaparks.org/parks/blair-park aquatic-center/ ChampaignCountryFairFarmersMarket.html Busey Woods/Anita Purves Nature Center Hessel Park Water Play Champaign Historic North First Street Market 1505 N Broadway Ave, Urbana • 384-4062 1401 Grandview Dr, Champaign · 398-2550 Cooking demonstrations, children’s garden, family Closed Sundays 11am–3pm & 5pm–7pm, Memorial Day–Labor Day friendly events. www.localharvest.org/farmers-market- Hiking trails, wildlife viewing and nature programs. Free water play area with in-ground sprays. on-historic-north-first-street-M27502 Indoor nature center with exhibits. www.champaignparks.com/hessel-waterplay Urbana’s Market at the Square www.urbanaparks.org/parks/natural-areas Hap Parker Family Aquatic Center Corner of Illinois and Vine St, Urbana • 384-2319 Crystal Lake Park 320 W Flessner, Rantoul • 893-5700 Homemade craft items, fresh produce, music, and 206 W Park St, Urbana • 328-1069 Two water slides, water toys for children, concession more. 3rd Sat of the Month for kids 3–8. Playground, paddle boats, dock fishing, lighted sledding stand, picnic tables, and more. Prairie Fruits Farm and Creamery hill. www.urbanaparks.org/park/crystal-lake-park Sholem Aquatic Center 4410 N Lincoln Ave, Champaign First Christian Church Indoor Playground & Track 2205 W Sangamon Dr, Champaign • 398-2581 Selling gelato and cheese. Visit the goats, too. 3601 S Staley Rd, Champaign • 356-1649 Seasonal passes available. Open May 24–Sept 1. www.prairiefruits.com Indoor playground and track, soft walking and playing Water slides, activity pool, lap pool, kiddy pool, bath- surface, open to the public. Free WIFI, eating area. house and concession stand. www.fcc-online.org/kidsstudents/indoor-playground champaignparks.com/facility/sholem-aquatic-center/

Heritage Lake Park Urbana Indoor Aquatic Center 910 Titan St Rantoul, IL 61866 102 E Michigan Ave, Urbana • 384-7665 Fishing, picnic tables, playground, horseshoe pits, Indoor pools and water playground, water geysers, rain ­pavilion and bridges connecting small islands. drop umbrella toy, and dinosaur slide. www.village.rantoul.il.us/facilities/facility/details/heri- www.urbanaparks.org/facilities/urbana-indoor- tage-lake-9 aquatics-center

MUSEUMS Hessel Park OTHER 1400 Grandview Dr, Champaign • 398-2591 Champaign County History Museum Anita Purves Nature Center and Busey Woods Water play area and playground. 102 E University Ave, Champaign • 356-1010 1505 N Broadway, Urbana • 384-4062 Located in the historic Cattle Bank, the museum fea- Kaufman Lake (Champaign Park District) Mon–Fri 8am–5pm, Sat 9am–4pm, Closed Sundays tures exhibits highlighting county history. 2702 W Springfield Ave, near Duncan Rd • 398-2570 Nature shop, multipurpose room, park, forest preserve. www.champaignmuseum.org Trails around lake, picnic areas, fishing, biking, www.urbanaparks.org/parks/natural-areas ­ice-skating in winter. Krannert Art Museum & Kinkead Pavilion (U of I) Curtis Orchard and Pumpkin Patch 500 E Peabody Dr, Champaign • 333-1861 Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve 3902 S Duncan Rd, Champaign • 359-5565 Info: 333-1860 109 S Lake of the Woods Rd, Mahomet • 586-3360 Open July 20–December, hours vary by season Second largest public art museum in Illinois. 10 miles west of Champaign/Urbana off I-74 near Pick your own apples and pumpkins in season. Petting www.Kam.illinois.edu Mahomet, Exit 172 or 174 zoo, mazes, horseback rides, and more. Boating, paddle boat rentals, fishing, hiking, sledding, Museum of the Grand Prairie www.curtisorchard.com and plenty of play areas. 950 N Lombard St, Illinois Route 47 N, Hardy’s Reindeer Ranch Mahomet • Free admission Meadowbrook Park 1356 CR 2900 N, Rantoul • 893-3407 Extensive collection interpreting 19th/20th Century life 101 W Windsor Rd Urbana · 344-2144 Fall–Christmas in east-central Illinois. Discovery Room offers hands-on Concrete bike trail, hiking trail, sculptures, herb garden, Chuck-wagon barbeque, corn maze, Christmas opportunities and educational programs for all ages. open field, and playground. ­wonderland, and more. www.reindeerranch.com www.museumofthegrandprairie.org Prairie Park Prairie Farm Petting Zoo Monticello Railway Museum E Washington St, Urbana • 367-1544 Centennial Park PO Box 401 992 Iron Horse Place, Large wooden play structure with sandbox, swings, 2202 Kirby Ave, Champaign • 398-2583 Monticello • 762-9011 bridges, tunnels, slides, and more. Mon–Sun 1–7pm, Memorial Day–mid-August (Take Market St exit, turn at the stoplight onto Iron West Side Park Traditional farm animals and petting zoo. Horse Place at the Best Western, follow the frontage 400 E University Ave, Champaign Sailfin Pet Shop road to end.) Playground, fountain, and walking paths. 720 S Neil St, Champaign • 352-1121 Museum displays cars, materials and artifacts relating Windsor Road Christian Church Indoor Playground Visit the fish, turtles, snakes & other aquarium species. to railroading. Also offers seven mile roundtrip train 2501 Windsor Rd Champaign • 359-2122 www.sailfin.com rides on weekends and some holidays from May Climbing, slides, and play area through October. www.mrym.org William M. Staerkel Planetarium Parkland College Museum of Natural History (U of I) 2400 W Bradley Ave, Champaign • 351-2446 1301 W Green St, Urbana • 333-2517 Show hotline: 351-2446 Building hallway exhibits on biology and geology Star shows, light shows, science education ­programs. ­available to visitors when University is in session. The Spurlock Museum (U of I) Closed Monday 600 S Gregory St, Urbana • 333-2360 Educational resource center features permanent ­cultural galleries celebrating Africa, Egypt, Europe, Asia, Oceania, Americas, and Ancient Mediterranean. www.spurlock.illinois.edu

Getting Ready for KINDERGARTEN he United Way of Champaign County Project Sponsors Tis dedicated to bringing people and resources together to create positive change and lasting impact in our commu- nity. We focus a portion of funds raised East Central Illinois Building and locally on strategies that provide a firm Getting started with Bright Start is easy. Open Construction Trades Council foundation for our youngest residents an account with as little as $25. Children with so they can grow and develop into suc- a College Savings Plan are seven times more likely to attend college than children without a • Boilermakers LU #60 cessful middle and high school students. plan: www.brightstartsavings.com • Bricklayers & Allied Craft Workers Ultimately, graduating with a plan and the LU #8 skills needed to implement that plan so • Carpenters LU #243 they can be productive, contributing mem- • Plasterers LU & Cement Masons #143 bers of their community. • IBEW LU #601 We do this in partnership with the • Elevator Constructors LU #55 Champaign Urbana Cradle to Career • Glaziers LU #1168 Initiative (CUC2C). By serving as the • Insulators LU #18 CUC2C anchor institution for Kindergarten United Way • Iron Workers LU #380 of Champaign County Readiness we’re working to coordinate • Laborers LU #703 and #751 and align community resources to ensure www.UnitedWayChampaign.org • Millwrights LU #1051 all children enter school on track for edu- • Operating Engineers LU #841 To learn more about United Way of Champaign • Painters LU #363 cational success. County please visit: and • Plumbers & Pipefitters LU #149 Thanks to the generous support of our www.UnitedWayChampaign.org www.bornlearning.org • Road Sprinklers LU #669 community and sponsors, these calendars • Roofers LU #97 are available free to all parents, grandpar- Follow us on • Sheet Metal Workers LU #218 ents and caregivers of children ages 3, 4 facebook.com/UWChampaignCounty • Teamsters LU #26 and 5 years old. Graphic design: www.lizawynette.com