Helping children get ready for kindergarten is very much like kids themselves: it develops over time. Little bit by little bit, with lots of repetition is the key to kindergarten readiness. Adding something different to an activity creates a new learning opportunity. As a matter of fact, today’s blog makes something out of nothing–the ‘nothing’ being holes.

Containers with holes have a strange effect on water. The water leaks from the hole. Colanders have holes all over so the water comes out quickly. Show your child what happens when a container has a small hole and compare that to one with a big hole. Your child may naturally try holding the container close and then higher up to see if there’s any difference or you can do it. Talking about what happens helps your child learn to process and express information.

For older kids, a tall, thin container with 3 holes is quite surprising. A plastic tube works great. When water is poured in, water comes out the holes but all 3 are different. The top one just trickles out and the bottom really squirts. As before, talking about the result is really valuable. Kids’ explanations reveal a lot about their thinking. Even holes can help when it comes to readiness for kindergarten.

Turning on some learning fun for your child is as easy as turning on the tap. When kids play in the water, besides filling, pouring, and splashing, they are also measuring. A big bowl needs lots of little cups to fill it up. It holds more water than just a cupful. When a big cup is … Continue reading Readiness for Kindergarten – Water Play & Learn →

Since repetition is one of the 3 R’s for kindergarten readiness, I will repeat some of the fun and learning from sand play that I wrote about in the first half of the month. Instead of sand, though, this time water is the material. One thing about water, it’s usually quite easy to clean up. Filling  up … Continue reading Readiness for Kindergarten – Water Play & Learn →