Dear Parent or Guardian,

Early childhood education for children and families and the provision of developmentally appropriate learning experiences create an essential foundation for readiness and success in school. Parents and other family members can support early childhood learners by working with them at home.

Parents and other family members are the first teachers of their children. Support for your child’s learning at home can be provided through taking a walk in the park, digging in the dirt, sorting common items and objects at home, talking about different shapes and colors and reading aloud to your child. These and other learning experiences assist families in creating an essential foundation for readiness and later success in school for their children.

To assist you, the Vancouver Public Schools provides links to information, activities and opportunities for 3 and 4 year old children. These activities and opportunities utilize developmentally appropriate learning activities to build skills for early literacy in reading and writing, math, language, science, fine motor, problem solving and social studies.

Each month the Vancouver Public Schools provides family packets designed to be used with 3 and 4 year old children. These packets contain a monthly calendar of activities which address different developmental activities to build skills in math, language, science, fine motor, problem solving, social studies, safety and cooking.

The packet, also, contains a journal for the children to “write” in each month. The journal provides opportunities for young children to explore their world by drawing pictures and writing letters and/or numbers. You will find ideas for writing and activities to help increase fine motor skill development. There are hands on Math, Science and Art activities to do together.

A book is provided with a monthly or seasonal theme. Children can cut out the book, color and assemble it for you to read with them. Each month there are suggestions for books to read with your child along with tips for reading books, letter naming and sound practice activities.

All of these activities help to build a foundation which will prepare your child for success when they enter kindergarten.