On January 22, 2019, families all over New York City submitted Kindergarten applications for the 2019/2020 school year. Thanks to the expansion of Pre-K for All, many of those rising Kindergarteners are currently in Pre-K, learning skills and having experiences that will hopefully prepare them for Kindergarten next year. Even so, the transition to Kindergarten can be a challenge, so if you are looking for ways to help support your 3-5-year-olds develop early literacy and school readiness skills using developmentally appropriate practices, join us for Ready, Set, Kindergarten starting March 9!
In Ready, Set, Kindergarten, we focus on five practices that, when children engage in them daily with a parent or caregiver, get them ready to read and ready for school. Doing them should not feel like homework, can be woven into daily routines, and should above all, feel joyful. These five practices are Reading, Singing, Writing, Talking and Playing. If you’re looking for ways to integrate these early literacy practices into your daily routine, download our new Early Literacy Weekly Calendar!
This season, we’ll be exploring themes designed to ignite children’s curiosity and love of books and reading. Here are some highlights from the RSK Booklists:
Session 1: All About Us
I Don’t Want to Be a Frog by Dev Petty
The first session of RSK explores interesting characters, including many that make us laugh! This is a funny story about a frog who would like to be anything but, until he learns that it’s the best (and safest) thing to be under the circumstances!
Session 2: Everyday Writing
Kat Writes a Song, by Greg Foley
In the second session of RSK, we look at all forms of writing: scribbles, drawing, ABC’s, recipes, lists, and thanks to this wonderful new book by Greg Foley, songwriting! Kat learns about the powerful process of songwriting in this sweet and funny book about creativity and friendship.
Session 3: Movers and Shakers
I Got the Rhythm, by Connie Schofield Morrison
In Session 3 of RSK, we learn about the many ways that songs, rhymes, and rhythm teach us about language. In this beautiful and rhythmic story a young girl finds her own rhythm through an exciting sensory exploration of sound in her city!
Session 4: Our City
The Flower Garden, by Eve Bunting
In Session 4 of RSK, we learn more about topics through informational picture books and non-fiction. This beautiful book by Even Bunting teaches us all about urban gardening in a way many city kids can relate to!
Session 5: Patterns are Everywhere
Big Bear Small Mouse by Karma Wilson
In Session 5 of RSK, we learn about math concepts through hands-on exploration and play. In focusing on patterns, we’ll explore books like Big Bear, Small Mouse that teach us attributes like size and shape that will help us sort, classify, and make patterns of our own!
Session 6: Fish out of Water
Something’s Fishy, by Kevin McCloskey
In Session 6 of RSK, we look at Science topics that inspire us to make observations and use rich vocabulary. Something’s Fishy teaches us incredible fish facts that inspire more exploration and questioning!
For ongoing early literacy tips, book recommendations, and reminders about Ready, Set, Kindergarten programs, sign up for our weekly texting program RSK on the GO! By texting @RSK2GO to 81010.
To learn more about reading & playing at the the library check out our events calendar!
This blog post reflects the opinions of the author and does not necessarily represent the views of Brooklyn Public Library.
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