Kindergartens prepare for first day of school — ever

It will soon be the first day of school - ever - for beginning kindergarten students.

It is a huge step in a child’s life, and the Sonoma County Office of Education is reminding parents that it is important for children to be prepared to take that step.

According to local kindergarten teachers, by the time a child begins school, he or she should be capable of carrying on several functions.

A child should be able to use the toilet, wash hands, dress, eat and blow nose independently; stay focused and pay attention for moderate periods of time; ask for help when needed; hold a pencil, use a crayon and cut with scissors; carry, unzip and place items in and out of a backpack; open and close lunch containers and each lunch independently.

Sonoma County Superintendent of Schools Steven Herrington says there is much parents can do to prepare their children for the start of their formal education.

“From language to math to physical development, there is a host of school-readiness skills parents can instill in their children early on,” he says.

“Using the environment around them is their greatest resource. Family conversations during dinner, playing imagination games with friends and reading books are all great ways to build language skills.

“It is key that parents model reading to their children by reading themselves. Early math skills include having children categorize toys when cleaning up, sorting laundry or silverware or counting steps on the stairs.

“It is essential that parents give their children a lot of time to play - it’s how children learn best.”