Kindergarten (Ages 5-6)

Literacy goals

  • At this stage your child enjoys listening to stories being read aloud for longer periods.
  • Understand that books are read for different reasons.
  • Understand concepts of print such as, the top and bottom of book, print directionality.
  • Uses language that can be understood by strangers. Communicates feelings and desires appropriately to explain and explore unknown concepts.
  • Can write their own name and some high frequency words.
  • Can name upper and lower case letters and sounds.

Tips, Activities and Strategies

  • Talk about parts of books.
  • Discuss the message of the author.
  • Take your time while reading to your child to point to words,
  • Spaces in between words,
  • Print goes from left to right.
  • Discuss illustrations.
  • Take a picture walk before reading the book aloud.
  • Relate the story to your child's life or another book that you've read.
  • Write down stories you child tells you.
  • Visit the library!
  • Play I spy games with letters.

What to look for when choosing books for your child

  • Look for books that contain messages your child can easily relate to such as family, friends, animals and activities that your family participates in.
  • The language of these books shouldn't be too complicated. Look for rhyme and repetition.
  • Look for exciting and engaging illustrations that excite your child's interests. Look for award winning books such as the Caldecott award. These books are recognized for their illustrations.

RECOMENDED BOOKS FOR KINDERGARTEN (AGES 5-6)

  1. Today I Feel Silly by Jamie Lee Curtis
  2. When Molly Gets Angry-Really, Really Angry by Molly Bang
  3. What Will I Do If I Can't Tie My Shoe by Heidi Kilgras
  4. Kindergarten ABC by Jacqueline Rogers
  5. Miss Bindergarten Gets Ready for Kindergarten by Joseph Slate
  6. How Emily Blaire Got Her Fabulous Hair by Susan Garrison Beroza
  7. Miss Spider's Tea Party by David Kirk
  8. The Grouchy Ladybug by Eric Carle
  9. The Carrot Seed by Ruth Krauss
  10. The Lady with the Alligator Purse by Nadine Bernard Westcott
  11. Teacher From the Black Lagoon by Mike Thaler