Welcome parents/guardians of kindergarten students in North Bend Schools

Reading

In kindergarten, children spend a good deal of time developing the skills they need to read: 

• Recognizing all the letters of the alphabet and their corresponding sounds
• Reading words and short sentences
• Being able to retell a story after listening to it
• Recognizing and using rhyming words
• Quickly recognizing “sight words”, words that frequently appear in beginning reading books like, a, come, can, do, my, me, look, we, you, at, and, I, in

To encourage your child’s interest in reading, read aloud to your child every day, talk about letter sounds, look for words in everyday life, visit the library, and give books as gifts.

Kindergarteners are expected to be able to take care of more things on their own. You can help your child become more self-sufficient and independent by providing your child with choices, and giving your kindergartener age-appropriate responsibilities.

• Give your child a simple household task, such as feeding the dog, helping set the table, or watering the plants.
• Encourage your child to get dressed without your help. Be patient if your child becomes frustrated with zippers or buttons.
• Help your child develop decision-making skills by giving him/her choices. Let your child choose which shirt to wear, what to eat for lunch, or what game to play.
• When something is difficult, don’t immediately swoop in to help. Let your child try to problem solve- and celebrate when he/she is successful.

What does a typical kindergarten day look like?

The kindergarten day is packed full of learning and fun!

• 75 minute reading block 
• 60 minute math block

Woven throughout the day…
writing, science, social studies, art, and recess

Experienced over a week…
P.E., music, library, and computers

Helping your child have a successful year doesn’t require doing extraordinary things. It’s the little things you do every day that provide the guidance and support your child needs. With your encouragement, love, and support, your child is sure to be successful this year, and in the years to come!

Hillcrest Elementary
541-756-8348