In a few short days our schools will be filled with children laughing, playing, learning, and going to school for the first time. Kindergarten, by design is the final transition from home to a formal academic education. Although here in Pennsylvania, kindergarten is still not required, it is considered the accepted norm and attended by the majority of children in the state. But what does it mean to be “Ready”?

Lorinda Krause, Selinsgrove Elementary Principal said, “One of the things we wish parents would do is rhyme with their kids. It’s OK to be silly and make up words … it makes the transition of learning to read so much easier.”

On the other hand, retired Mifflinburg Elementary Principal Leo Weidner was often quoted saying “Alive and Five” are the only requirements. Although the readiness wish list may vary, there are many things parents and early childhood educators can do, beginning at birth, to better prepare all children.

Play with your kids! “The value of play is immeasurable” stated Dr. Michael Patte of Bloomsburg University. Playing is a natural uninhibited way for children to learn through experiential self discovery. It does not require expensive toys, gadgets or equipment. He continued, “For example, Hop Scotch teaches numbers, balance, problem solving, taking turns, patience, give and take and cause and effect.” WOW – all that from a game of hop scotch; imagine what they can learn if you play something new every day.

Talk — talk — talk to and with them. Explain what you are doing. Whether you are making eggs or cleaning the lawnmower; every time you talk with a child you can expose them to new vocabulary and inspire curiosity. When they ask “Why?” give them an answer. And if you do not know, show them how you can find the answer in a book, newspaper, on the computer or at the library.

Sharon Leon of the Family Literacy suggests you “Read, read, read. Read to them, read with them and let them read to you. But don’t limit yourself to the bedtime story.” The daily newspaper, a recipe or directions to a game are great ways to introduce reading as a means to an end. She added, “It can help them to understand how the skill will help them when they are big.”

Our natural environment provides excellent learning opportunities. Take walks, turn over leaves, plant a garden and care for an animal. Ask questions, encourage children to explain what they are doing, how it makes them feel, what they like or dislike and what new things they have discovered. Children who have a variety of experiences will be better prepared to try new things in school.

And no child pre-school education could be complete without working on self help skills. Using buttons, snaps, zippers and ties to dress themselves from head to toe is an invaluable skill.

Get to know the school environment, write a letter to the kindergarten class and visit the school before the first day. If your child is in a full day KG, practice eating lunch from a lunch box or paper bag. Walk to the bus stop or to school, and discuss the safety rules on the way. Learning the driver’s name is helpful for the child and the family. Finally, use the free resources available from the PA Department of Education, Penn Sate Cooperative Extension, the library and your school district to help guide you.

Every child develops at their own pace. The class room will be filled with 20 different cultural, economic, educational, experiential and family skill sets — and your teacher already knows this. There is one thing educators and researchers agree: transitioning into kindergarten is a process, not an event. It is the sum of everything, big and little, that develops a child into a curious, inspired, eager student.

Ready or not, here they come.

Mary Mahoney-Ferster is coordinator for the Early Care & Education Community Engagement Team in Union and Snyder counties.