Classroom Activities for Kindergarten Transition

 

• Practice the morning routines such as a "moment of silence" or pledge to the flag.
• Have the children practice raising hands to answer questions.
• Practice carrying items on cafeteria trays (or cookie sheets) - this can be done in centers as well as during meals and snacks or on the playground.
• Learn to open individual milk cartons and straws.
• Learn to open individual condiment (ketchup, mustard, etc.) packets.
• Practice walking as a group from the classroom to other locations in the building.
• Have the children go to another classroom so another teacher can "teach" them a brief special lesson (such as music or P.E). This helps the children get used to the idea that they may have other teachers for "specials".
• Answer "roll call".
• Practice getting on and off a school bus.
• Practice checking out library books (using a card) from the public library, classroom library, or site office.
• Read aloud children's books that are about Kindergarten.
• Learn to sharpen a pencil.
• Plan activities that require cooperative interaction. Some ideas are:
• Work with a friend to put together teacher made puzzles
• Work with a friend to match simple word cards with symbol cards
• Work with a friend to match classmates' name with their picture
• Paint with a partner
• Build with a buddy
• Group or partner playground games
  

Remember that these ideas are to familiarize the children with new concepts and/or routines so we want to make them fun! Be sure to have many discussions (large group, small group, and individual) about why you are doing these things.