8 great stories for the big transition to Kindergarten

Getting ready for the big transition to Kindergarten can be exciting and a little scary for some children. Sharing stories with children can be a great way to start conversations, think about questions and connect with your child.

Tips for Reading Together:

As you start reading, look at the cover with your child and ask her what she thinks the story may be about based on the picture.

Pause periodically as you read to ask your child what he thinks might happen next.

Ask your child if they have ever felt the way the character in the story is feeling.

Follow your child’s lead if he has questions or points things out in the book.  The side stories that develop from reading together can help you connect with what your child cares about and is thinking about.

As you finish reading, ask your child for her opinion of the book.  Did she like it?  What was her favorite part?

Great Books to Help Your Child Start Thinking About Kindergarten:

	The Bus For Us by Suzanne Bloom Tess and Gus wait for the right vehicle to take them to school.
	Franklin Goes To School by Paulette Bourgeois Franklin is nervous about going to school but his teacher knows just what to do.
	Look Out Kindergarten, Here I Come by Nancy Carlson Henry can’t wait to go to school but gets a little nervous once he gets there.
	Will I Have A Friend? by Miriam Cohen Jim is nervous but making a friend makes things a little better.
	Tiptoe Into Kindergarten by Jacqueline Rogers When a younger child goes with her big brother to visit kindergarten, she finds it to be a great place!
	Wemberly Worried by Kevin Henkes Wemberly is worried about the first day but feels better with a new friend.
	Miss Bindergarten Gets Ready For Kindergarten by Joseph Slate A fun alphabet book follows a teacher as she prepares her classroom for kindergarten.
	The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn Chester is worried that he will miss his mom on his first day of school but his mom teaches him a secret way to carry her love with him.

Enjoy sharing some of these books from your local library and come to Ready, Set, Go….Kindergarten on  August 13 to pick up a free book for your family while supplies last.

Come celebrate this milestone for you and your child at Ready, Set, Go...Kindergarten!

Saturday, August 13, 2011

9:00 AM - 1:00 PM

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Public Media Center
4801 Lindle Road
Harrisburg, PA 17111

At this free family event designed specifically for you and your soon-to-be kindergartner you can:

- Create fun arts and crafts
- sit on a real school bus
- meet PBS characters and community helpers

You'll also be able to ask questions and connect with resources to help your child be successful in school!

Be sure to RSVP and register your soon-to-be kindergartner

SEE THE FULL ACTIVITY SCHEDULE