edco calendar 11x8.5 krc sp 2-5f_web

2014Kindergarten Readiness Calendar

An Initiative of

Welcome!Dear Parents and Caregivers,

Together, we can help the young children of Macon County be more prepared for Kindergarten by being aware of the important skills children need and how we can help develop these skills through engaging activities. The brain of a child needs interactive activities to ensure it is developing at the highest level possible.

More brain development occurs during the first five years of life than any other time in life. Research reveals that young children, who begin Kindergarten behind in development and preparation, will remain behind in performance throughout their school years.

Here are some of the fun things we can do to help a child’s overall development and preparation for success in Kindergarten.

• Talk with the child

• Read books out loud to the child, beginning at a very early age

• Play interactive games with the child

• Insure the child is getting good nutrition

• Make sure the child is getting regular health screenings

• Teach the child to share, sit still, take turns, and use good manners

• Take the child to parks for walks outdoors, to museums, or other stimulating environments

• Make consistent eye contact with the child

• Make the child feel safe and secure through positive physical and emotional interactions

Please enjoy this calendar as a guide, using the tips, reminders and activities to aid in child development. This calendar is just one of the many resources available to help improve Kindergarten Readiness in Macon County. Throughout 2014, you will see more activities, tools and guides from the Education Coalition to facilitate the progress of the young children in our community.

Kind Regards,

The Staff of the Education Coalition of Macon County & The Community Foundation of Macon County

“The more that you read, the more things you will know.The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.”

-Dr. Seuss

Use this Calendar to Help ensure Your Child:Is developIng socIally and emoTIonally:• Is trying new things• Is learning to work well alone• Is learning to play well and cooperate with others• Is curious and wants to learn• Is learning to finish what is started• Is learning self-control• Can follow simple instructions• Helps with family chores• Has respect for others and authority figures• Understands the causes and effects of actions• Handles separation from parents, guardians, or caregivers

Has good HealTH and well-beIng:• Eats a balanced diet• Gets plenty of rest• Sees the doctor and dentist regularly• Is up-to-date on immunizations• Is able to bounce a ball• Gets plenty of exercise doing activities that develop large muscles• Plays with puzzles, colors, and does other activities that develop small muscles• Walks forward, backward, up and down stairs• Has established daily hygiene (brushing teeth, bathing, washing hands)• Has a set routine (meals and bedtime)

dIsplays a posITIve aTTITude Toward learnIng:• Likes to solve problems• Can notice things that are the same or different• Likes to see and touch things, hear new sounds, smell and taste new foods, and watch things move• Pays attention during activities• Follows simple directions• Follows rules and safety

Is developIng language skIlls:• Takes many opportunities to talk and listen• Is read to every day• Has access to books and other reading materials• Likes to learn about books• Is learning to write name and address• Speaks understandably and expresses ideas, feelings, and needs to others• Uses words instead of being physically angry

can apply general knowledge:• Is learning to sort and classify things• Is learning to count and play counting games• Is learning to name shapes and colors• Enjoys listening to and making music• Uses imagination while playing• Manages bathroom needs• Has the ability to recognize some alphabet letters and sounds• Is able to tie shoes

don’t worry if your child can’t do everything on this list right now.

remember that every child grows and develops at different rates.

read each daymake a readIng place For your cHIld• Keep your child’s books in a special place. Make sure they are easy to reach!

• Put a small rug or pillow in the special place to make t a fun place for reading.

• Read with your child in this special place.

• Talk with your child about how to take care of books.

gIve your cHIld dIFFerenT kInds oF books To read• Get a library card for you and your child and visit the library or bookmobile.

• Visit the children’s section of the library together and pick out books for home.

• Look for books in other places: friends, relatives, garage sales, resale shops.

save some TIme eacH day To read wITH your cHIld• Read in a special place. Make sure it is quiet.

• Hold your child close to you when you read.

• Help your child understand that reading is important.

books To read• Wolf by Becky Bloom

• D.W.’s Library Card by Marc Brown

• I Love Going Through This Book by Robert Burleigh

• Will You Read to Me? by Denys Cazet

• Book! by Kristine George

• Library Mouse by Daniel Kirk

• Lola At The Library by Anna McQuinn

• Book Fiesta! By Pat Mora

• Born To Read by Judy Sierra

your child may want to read the same books over and over

again. This is okay!

JanUarY 2014Sunday Monday tuesday Wednesday thursday Friday Saturday

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0-3 year activities3-5 year activities

Include reading a book in your child’s

bedtime routine.

Ask your child to identify family members in

a photograph.new year’s day

martin luther king Jr. day

Get a library card!

Reminder: Have you scheduled a physical and dental exam for

your child?

Ask your child: What is your favorite book?

Why?Play peek-a-boo with

your child.

Look through magazines and books

to find things that are yellow.

Have your child turn the pages as you read

the book.

Encourage your child to hold his/her bottle or

spoon.

muhammad’s birthday & makar sakranti

6:30 pm: lutheran school association

kindergarten orientation at lsa

all parents/legal guardians of children who will be five years of age on or before September 1 are encouraged to register their children for kindergarten.

• In most cases, the parent/legal guardian will need to bring the following for Kindergarten registration:

• Child’s official birth certificate (with raised seal), not a copy.

• Proof of residency, which can include: copy of signed mortgage, contract to build or lease agreement showing the owner/resident’s name and address, OR TWO of the following:

• Utility bills which have the name and address of the resident

• Valid driver’s license

• Voter registration card

• State medical card

• All students entering Kindergarten must provide proof of a current physical examination, eye examination, and immunizations before starting school and proof of a dental exam. You do not need proof of a physical or dental exam at the time of registration.

get ready for kindergarten

books To read• I Don’t Want To Go To School by Stephanie Blake

• Kindergarten Kids: Riddles, Rebuses, Wiggles by Stephanie Calmenson

• Look Out Kindergarten, Here I Come by Nancy Carlson

• What Did You Do Today? The First Day Of School by Toby Forward

• Owen by Kevin Henkes

• Welcome To Kindergarten by Anne Rockwell

• Kindergarten ABC by Jacqueline Rogers

• Miss Bindergarten Gets Ready For Kindergarten by Joseph Slate

• My Kindergarten by Rosemary Wells

• Knuffle Bunny Too by Mo Willems

students who do not have physical and dental exams by the

first day of school may NOT be allowed to attend school.

Count to 10 with your child’s fingers.

Read a bedtime story to your child.

Look for the letter “A” at the places you go

with your child.

Draw a picture of a sunny day with

your child.

Check Kindergarten Registration Dates –

some start in February!

Help your child write his/her name.

Practice counting to 30 with your child.

Use diaper changes to sing and talk to

your baby.

president’s day

Flag day

valentine’s day

February 2014Sunday Monday tuesday Wednesday thursday Friday Saturday

1

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Find your school’s Kindergarten

registration dates.

Read a story, and point out colors in the book

to your child.

valentine’s day

presidents’ day

Ask your child what he/she sees outside.

Find things with the letter “L” on them.

Draw a Valentine’s Day heart with your child.

Sing the Alphabet song to your child and

encourage them to sing along.

Play “Simon Says” with your child.

Draw a picture of yourself and have your

child do the same.

Help your toddler answer the question, “What is your name?”

vasant panchami

maha shiva ratri

decatur public school

kindergarten registration begins

playing learning gamesplay maTcHIng card games• Start with matching cards. If you don’t have a set, make some

with pictures from a magazine or with drawings on them.

• Place all of the cards face up on the floor and have your child find which ones match.

• Try starting with 6 pairs, and continue to increase the pairs as your child becomes more skilled at matching.

play “I-spy” games• Try spying different shape and color

combinations. (Example: Round and red could be an apple.)

• When your child discovers the object, repeat the name of the object and ask questions about it. (Example: What letter does APPLE start with?)

play sHapes and sIzes games• Show your child various shapes and help your

child name them.

• Lay out coins and have your child match coins that are the same.

books To read• Earth, Sky, Wet, Dry by Durga Bernhard

• Not All The Animals Are Blue by Beatrice Boutignon

• Benny’s Pennies by Pat Brisson

• I.Q. It’s Time by Mary Ann Fraser

• Food For Thought by Saxton Freymann

• Alphabet Explosion by John Nickle

• Just Enough Carrots by Stuart Murphy

• Who’s Hiding by Satoru Onishi

• First The Egg by Laura Seeger

• I’m The Biggest Thing In The Ocean by Kevin Sherry

select a shape and have your child find matching shapes in

the house.

Draw a family portrait with your child.

daylight savings Time starts

passover begins at sundown

st. patrick’s day

easter (31st)




with your child.


your child.



valentine’s day

March 2014Sunday Monday tuesday Wednesday thursday Friday Saturday

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30

23

31

24


Play pat-a-cake with your child.

st. patrick’s day

Help your child count backwards from 10.

Make doctor and dentist appointments

for your child’s Kindergarten physical.

Take a walk and point out colors to your

child.

Have your child act out silly, sad, surprised and other emotions.

Give your baby a toy and watch him/her pass the toy from

hand to hand or bang at midline.Holi

Hindi new year

technology time

books To read• Arthur’s TV Trouble by Mark Brown

• Patrick’s Dinosaurs On The Internet by Carol Carrick

• Interrupting Chicken by David Stein

• Curious George by H.A. Rey

• Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak

• Sylvester and the Magic Pebble by William Steig

• Badly Drawn Dog by Emma Dodson

make sure to interest your child in other activities as well, such as

reading, drawing, playing outside, listening to or making music, and

card or board games.

know wHaT your cHIld Is waTcHIng and/or doIng on elecTronIc devIces• Know what is appropriate for your child’s age group.

• Ask your child about what was on TV.

• Ask what your child thought the best part of the story was and how the story made him/her feel.

• While TV and electronic devices are a large part of our lives today, please remember the importance of talking with your child while making direct eye contact. This helps them to build good listening habits for school success.

• We know that children need to watch television with adults in order to help them understand what they are seeing and hearing, and that learning from technology improves when an adult is present.

• When you watch TV shows with your child, ask yourself if they teach what you want your child to learn.

• Use TV time to bond with your child, talking to him or her about what the two of you are watching.

• Turn the TV off at meal time. Instead of watching TV, talk about things you did that day.

• Set a good example by watching less TV yourself.




st. patrick’s day

easter (31st)




with your child.


your child.



valentine’s day

aPriL 2014Sunday Monday tuesday Wednesday thursday Friday Saturday

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Find 3 things to roll.april Fool’s day

Keep the TV off today and read books with your child instead.

Look for the letter “R.”

With your child, sing songs with rhyming

sounds.

Draw a rainbow.

Take a walk with your child and look for signs

of spring.

easter

good Friday

4-6 pm: kindergarten

Jamboree at Hope academy

navami

Listen to music and allow your child to use spoons to make music.

Watch TV with your child. Talk about what you are watching and ask him/

her about the story.

Use the words “over” and “under” to play

“I Spy.”

keep THese ImporTanT THIngs In your cHIld’s rouTIne• Eat fresh fruit or vegetables at every meal as part of a good diet.

• Wash hands before every meal and after using the toilet.

• Limit the amount of soda, sports drinks, and candy your family drinks and eats.

• Sleep well and long enough that you wake up rested in the morning.

• Exercise with your child: take walks, do jumping jacks, go swimming.

• Brush your teeth well in the morning and at night.

Help your cHIld undersTand How HIs/Her body works• Have your child point to body parts and explain how

each part works to help him/her during the day.

• Example: “My eyes show me where I am going, and who I am with.”

• Body Parts: • Eyes • Nose • Mouth • Arms • Legs • Hand • Foot

books To read• Dinosaurs Alive And Well by Laurie Brown

• I Get So Hungry by Bebe Campbell

• Maisy, Charley and the Wobbly Tooth by Lucy Cousins

• Please Play Safe by Margery Cuyler

• I.Q. Gets Fit by Mary Ann Fraser

• Wash, Scrub, Brush by Nick Manning

• ABC Doctor by Liz Murphy

• Busy Body Book by Lizzy Rockwell

• Good Enough To Eat by Lizzy Rockwell

reminder: all children need a physical and immunizations before starting kindergarten. be sure your child is up to date on these before september. call your doctor for

an appointment.

Have a Healthy Body




st. patrick’s day

easter (31st)




with your child.


your child.



valentine’s day

May 2014Sunday Monday tuesday Wednesday thursday Friday Saturday

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Help your child sort coins into groups by

color or size.

Help your child point to his/her eyes, ears, nose, mouth, hands

and feet.

memorial day

Practice brushing your teeth really well.

After reading a story, have your child tell

you what happened first, next, and last.

With your child, sing songs with rhyming

sounds.

Find the letter “O.”

Go outside and kick the ball with your

toddler.

Allow your baby to lie on his/her tummy to strengthen neck and

back muscles.

With your child, count as high as he/she can go.

Help your child practice writing his/her name.

mother’s day

Isra and mi’raj

read rHymes wITH your cHIld• Read these rhymes with your child. Ask your child to

complete the rhymes with the correct rhyming word. - Hey diddle, diddle. The cat and the ____. (fiddle) - Jack and Jill went up the ____. (hill)

• Use other rhymes that your child enjoys and have him/her repeat them to hear rhyming words.

play wITH rHymIng sounds• Use the words below to get started. Read these

words out loud, and ask your child to tell you which words rhyme and which ones don’t. Once your child understands these words, move on to other rhyming words that have common endings.

- Cat - House - Dog - Light - Hand

books To read• Once Upon A Banana by Jennifer Armstrong

• Signmaker’s Assistant by Tedd Arnold

• I Read Signs by Tana Hoban

• ABC: A Child’s First Alphabet Book by Alison Jay

• City Signs by Zoran Milich

• Alphapeep by Deborah Pearson

• Alphabet Room by Sra Pinto

• Cassie’s Word Quilt by Faith Ringgold

• Signs In Our World by John Searcy

Find different items around the house like a sock, a ball, and a hat. For each item, ask your child to say

a word that rhymes with it. (silly words that rhyme are okay.)

What language Sounds like

- Hat- Mouse - Log- Night- Sand




st. patrick’s day

easter (31st)




with your child.


your child.



valentine’s day

June 2014Sunday Monday tuesday Wednesday thursday Friday Saturday

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29 30


Help your child make his/her own sandwich.

Help your child point to his/her eyes, ears, nose, mouth, hands

and feet.

Teach your child his/her address.

Play “I Spy” with numbers.

Look for items in your house that are blue.

Help your toddler answer the question, “How old are you?”

Practice waving and saying “bye-bye” with

your baby.

Practice counting to 10 or higher.

Practice being quiet for 1 minute, then for 2

minutes.

Father’s day

ramadan starts

JoIn your cHIld In acTIve play• Play toss and catch with bean bags, balls or water balloons.

• Walk to the local park and practice swinging.

• Set up “Mini-Olympics” in the back yard – who is faster?

• Practice bouncing balls as high as you can, then chase after them.

Ideas For usIng bIg muscles on raIny days• Sing and dance the Chicken Dance or Hokey Pokey.

• Crank up some music, and dance as silly as you can.

• Have your child help match socks, and toss them into a basket.

leT your cHIld spend TIme ouTsIde• Help your child find a safe place outside where

you can see them.

• Teach your child to play Hopscotch, Jacks, or other fun outside games.

books To read• Get Up And Go! by Nancy Carlson

• Sidewalk Games by Arlen Erlbach

• Young Cornrows Callin Out The Moon by Ruth Forman

• What Shall We Do When We All Go Out? by Shari Halpern

• Zelda And Ivy And The Boy Next Door by Laura Kvasnosky

• Hokey Pokey by Larry La Prise

• Children’s Book Of Yoga by Thia Luby

• Peeny Butter Fudge by Toni Morrison

• Sidewalk Games by Glen Vecchione

• Are You Ready To Play Outside by Mo Willems

Tag, simon says, I spy, and Hide and seek are great outdoor activities.

use big muscles




st. patrick’s day

easter (31st)




with your child.


your child.



valentine’s day

July 2014Sunday Monday tuesday Wednesday thursday Friday Saturday

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Count all of the flags you see today.

Using your hands, tap out a song on the

table. Encourage your child to mimic.

Practice saying your child’s first and last

name together.

Take your child tothe park, and show them how to use the

teeter totter.

If you watch fireworks, talk about each color.

Provide child-proof items to drop in a

container and dump out again.

During bath time, name and talk about body

parts.

What letter does FLAG start with?

Do jumping jacks in sets of 5 with your child.

Independence day

lailat al-Qadr

eid al-Fitr

books To read• When Sophie Gets Angry – Really Really Angry by Molly Bang

• How Are You Peeling? Foods With Moods by Saxton Freymann

• The Day Leo Said I Hate You! by Robie Harris

• Rain Romp: Stomping Away A Grouch Day by Jane Kurtz

• What Are You So Grumpy About by Tom Lichtenheld

• Walter Was Worried by Laura Seeger

• When I Feel Jealous by Cornelia Spelman

• The Nice Book by David Ezra Stein

• Grumpy Bird by Jeremy Tankard

use Your WOrdsTalk To your cHIld eacH day

• Turn off the radio or TV.

• If you are in the car, tell your child where you are going and what you will do when you get there.

• If you are at home, ask your child, “What did you do today?”

use pIcTures To Help your cHIld express Ideas

• Look for colors and count objects.

• When reading a book, use the pictures to ask your child to guess what will be on the next page.

• Have your child draw a picture and then tell you about it.

Help your cHIld express dIFFerenT FeelIngs

• Talk about times that make people feel sad, happy, angry, or scared.

• Make faces that show feelings.

Help your child name feelings while he or she is

experiencing them.




st. patrick’s day

easter (31st)




with your child.


your child.



valentine’s day

aUgust 2014Sunday Monday tuesday Wednesday thursday Friday Saturday

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with your child.Count to 10 with your

child’s fingers.

Draw a picture of a sunny day with your

child.


Use diaper changes to sing and talk to your

baby.


Practice counting to 30 with your child.

use number words and poInT ouT wrITTen numbers wHen you and your cHIld do THIngs TogeTHer

• In the kitchen: “Let’s put 3 knives and 3 forks on the table.”

• At the store: “That sign says bananas are 49 cents a pound.”

• While playing: “Can you put 4 blocks in a row?”

read, Tell sTorIes, sIng songs and say nursery rHymes abouT numbers and counTIng

• Read or tell stories such as The Three Bears.

• Say nursery rhymes such as “One, Two, Buckle My Shoe” and “Baa Baa Black Sheep” with your child.

play “I spy” wITH numbers

• Play the game by finding, or “spying,” numbers of things in your home or outside.

• Say “I spy something with one circle on it.” Give your child a hint as to where it is.

• Keep playing the game by finding two things, three things, etc.

books To read• Baker’s Dozen by Dan Andreasen

• Pigs Love Potatoes by Anika Denise

• Mother Goose Numbers On The Loose by Leo & Diane Dillon

• Turtle Splash by Cathryn Falwell

• 1 2 3 A Child’s First Counting Book by Alison Jay

• Ten Puppies by Lynn Reiser

• One Boy by Laura Seeger

• Over In The Grasslands by Anna Wilson

• Teeth, Tails & Tentacles by Christopher Wormell

numbers & Counting

playing number games withyour child helps reinforce

the knowledge of basic math concepts in a fun way.




st. patrick’s day

easter (31st)




with your child.


your child.



valentine’s day

September 2014Sunday Monday tuesday Wednesday thursday Friday Saturday

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28 29 30


Play “I Spy” with numbers.

Read a book and ask your child to point to

the picture of the _____ (for example: puppy,

color red, or sun).


Find the letter “G” around your home and neighborhood.

Take a walk with your child and look for

signs of fall.

Sing the ABC Song with your child.

Look for the number 1 today.

Find 5 things that start with the same letter.

labor day

navarati

FInd some Tools For drawIng, wrITIng & cuTTIng• Find a special place to display drawings and projects he/she

has made.

• Decide on rules for using drawing and writing tools. For example, “markers may only be used at the table or outdoors” and “scissors are for cutting paper.”

leT your cHIld experImenT wITH drawIng• Let your child draw pictures in different places, like in the kitchen

while you are cooking or in the park.

• Let your child experiment with finger painting with kid-safe paint.

• Draw pictures of people and things with your child.

• Talk with your child about his or her pictures and decide on a place to display them.

Help your cHIld pracTIce usIng Tools• For a younger child, have him/her practice eating with

a spoon and then a fork.

• Decide where your child will be allowed to use school tools, like scissors and markers, and talk about safety when using scissors.

• Books are one of the most important tools for children to learn how to use. Show your child how to hold a book, how to carefully turn pages, and where to put books when they are done reading them.

using school tools

books To read• The Pencil by Allan Ahlberg

• Max And The Dumb Flower Picture by Martha Alexander

• I Ain’t Gonna Paint No More by Karen Beaumont

• Danny’s Drawing Book by Sue Heap

• My Crayons Talk by Patricia Hubbard

• It’s Picture Day Today by Megan McDonald

• A Day With No Crayons by Elizabeth Rusch

• Art’s Supplies by Chris Tougas

• Go To Bed, Monster! by Natasha Wing

leT your cHIld see THaT words on paper are a parT oF everyday lIFe

• Make a shopping list together.

• Put your child’s name on his or her things.




st. patrick’s day

easter (31st)




with your child.


your child.



valentine’s day

october 2014Sunday Monday tuesday Wednesday thursday Friday Saturday

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Talk about fall and have your child draw a picture of a tree.

Count the items in your toddler’s world: 2 socks,

2 eyes, 6 grapes.

Make a shopping list with your child.

Find the letter “P” on different things.

Give your baby finger foods to encourage feeding him/herself.

Take your child for a walk and collect leaves.

With your child, pretend you are puppies, pirates or princes/

princesses.

columbus day

Halloween

eid al-adha

muharramdiwali

play groupIng games wITH your cHIld

• Collect things that go together from around your home (for example: Comb and Brush, Spoon and Fork, Toothbrush and Toothpaste).

• Put the things you have gathered on a table.

• Mix them up and have your child put them together again.

• Ask your child why they go together.

• Play this same game using pictures of items that go together that you cut from a magazine.

play paTTern games wITH your cHIld

• Create a pattern of movement and ask your child to repeat it. Try: Step – Step – Jump, Step – Step – Jump.

• Have your child make up a pattern for you to repeat together.

• Make a pattern with objects, and then have your child repeat the pattern. (For example: Fork – Spoon, Fork – Spoon and Crayon – Crayon – Penny, Crayon – Crayon – Penny).

Solving Problems

books To read• Harry’s Home by Catherine Anholt

• Matthew A.B.C. by Peter Catalanotto

• This Is Me And Where I Am by Joanne Fitzgerald

• Chrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes

• There’s Only One of Me by Pat Hutchins

• Watch Out! Around Town by Claire Llewellyn

• Ring! Yo? by Chris Raschka

• A Safe Place Called Home by Eileen Spinelli

• The First Thing My Mama Told Me by Susan Swanson

after going through the patterns, ask your child what the next object in the pattern should be.




st. patrick’s day

easter (31st)




with your child.


your child.



valentine’s day

november 2014Sunday Monday tuesday Wednesday thursday Friday Saturday

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Ask your child to set the table. Have him/

her count the items he/she puts down.

During the day, tell your child about the difference between morning, afternoon,

and night.

Show your child a nickel, a penny and a quarter and tell him/her

about money.

Find things that begin with the letter “N”.

Allow your child to do things for him/herself

even if it takes longer.

Turn on some music, and dance with

your child.

With your child, trace your hands to

draw turkeys.

veteran’s day

Thanksgiving

12:30 pm: lsa pre-school and

daycare luncheon at lsa

30

23

TeacH your cHIld THe leTTers oF THe alpHabeT

• Use cards with the alphabet on them.

• Layout the cards and sing the alphabet song with your child. Touch each letter as you sing.

• Play “find the letter” with your child while you are out shopping. Point to signs and store names that begin with the first letter of your child’s name.

• Read alphabet books with your child. Choose a letter and ask your child to find it.

TeacH your cHIld THaT words Have meanIngs

• Let your child cut out words from the newspaper. Have them tell you what picture matches the word.

• Ask your child to tell you the names of different stores and signs in the neighborhood.

what are words made of?

books To read• Max’s Words by Kate Banks

• Big, Bigger, Biggest! by Nancy Coffelt

• Dog’s Noisy Day by Emma Dodd

• Scoot! by Cathryn Falwell

• Bubble Trouble by Margaret Mahy

• Fancy Nancy’s Collection Of Fancy Words by Jane O’Connor

• The Tale of Jemima Puddle-Duck by Beatrix Potter

• Doctor Desoto by William Steig

• Night Sounds, Morning Colors by Rosemary Wells

Help your child make a dictionary with some of his/her favorite

words under each letter of the alphabet.

december 2014Sunday Monday tuesday Wednesday thursday Friday Saturday

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christmas eve

new year’s eve

christmas kwanzaa beginsFirst day of winter

Look for the letter “D”.

Put on some music and dance fast, slow,

happy, and silly.

Draw a winter picture.

Help your child write the letters of his/her first

name.

Wad up paper and have an indoor snowball fight.

Help your child practice putting on

his/her coat and then take a walk together.

Sing a favorite song with your child.

Count backwards from 10 with your child.

early childhoodMiLeStOneS

by 6 monTHs, cHIldren oFTen:

• Roll from stomach to back• Reach for toys• Transfer toys from one hand to another• Look for noises made near him/her• Make sounds for specific reasons (hunger, wet, etc.)• Help hold bottle while drinking• Play with toys• Pat mirror image• Put everything in his/her mouth• Follow toys when held in front of his/her eyes


• Sit without support• Pull to stand• Crawl on all fours• Understand the meaning of “No” and “Bye-Bye”• Repeat the sounds made by others• Feed themselves cookies or crackers (may not be neat)• Wave bye-bye• Are shy with people he/she doesn’t know• Turn pages of a book (more than one at a time)• Can give toy by request• Laugh a lot• Recognize his/her name• Imitate familiar words• Say 2-3 words besides “mama” and “dada”

by 3 years oF age, cHIldren oFTen:

• Feed themselves• Hold a crayon well• Use the toilet with some help• Kick a ball forward• Pedal a tricycle• Recognize sounds in the environment• Remember what happened yesterday• Know where things usually belong• Look through a book alone• Count 2 to 3 objects• Match circles and squares• Ask short questions• Know first and last name• Match primary colors• Begin to understand complex commands

(“Put blocks under the chair”)• May have 1,000 word vocabulary• Ask many “what” and “why” questions• Imitate housework or help with tasks

It is important to remember these are only generalizations to be used to identify

developmental milestones for children. every child develops at different rates, and parents

should not be concerned if their child is behind on some of these milestones.


• Stand alone, sit down • Walk without help• Enjoy carrying small objects in each hand• Gesture or point to indicate wants• Pull off hats, socks, and mittens• Hold crayons and scribble, but with little control• Enjoy holding a spoon when eating, but experience difficulty

in getting spoon into mouth• Become upset when separated from parent• Enjoy being held and read to• Ask for something by pointing or using one word• Drink well from a household cup, but may drop it

when finished• Will say “hi” or “bye” if reminded• Use expressions such as “uh-oh”• Say 10-20 words, including names• Point to toes, eyes, and nose• Make tower of 3-4 cubes• Recognize pictures of family, people, and objects


• Can walk well and help wash hands• Drink with a straw and feed himself/herself with a spoon• Begin to gain some control of bowels and bladder, but

complete control may not be achieved until around age 3 (Boys often do not complete toilet training until age 3 ½)

• Talk and jabber expressively• Use the words “please” and “thank you” if prompted• Hum or try to sing, and enjoy singing familiar songs• Listen to short rhymes or finger plays such as “Itsy Bitsy Spider”• Get physically aggressive when frustrated, such as

slapping or hitting• Know that anger and despair pass• Understand simple questions and commands• Can speak in sentences with 2-3 words


• Hold a pencil• Learn to write their name• Try to buckle, button, and lace with help• Pour from a small pitcher• Use the toilet alone• Catch a bouncing ball• Like to know what happens next (are inquisitive)• Sort by shape and color• Follow 3 instructions given at once• Identify situations that would lead to happiness, sadness,

or anger• Enjoy rhyming and nonsense words• Want explanations of “why” and “how”• Enjoy hide-and-seek, tag, and other games with simple rules• Have a vocabulary of 1,500 words• Use sentences 4-5 words long


• Draw simple figures of things they imagine• Dress and undress themselves (may need supervision)• Walk downstairs, alternating feet without using a handrail• Climb a ladder• Know the sequence of reading a book, from left

to right and top to bottom• Copy their own name (mostly using large and irregular letters)• Know front and back of clothes• Enjoy riddles and jokes• Use 6 words in a sentence• Modify language when talking to a younger child• Protect younger children• Talk about emotions and preferences• Invent make-believe games with simple rules• Use sentences at least 6 words long• Have a 2,000 word vocabulary• Know opposites (light and dark, high and low)• Are able to count 10 objects

COLOrS & SHaPeS

letters & numbers

• RED• ORANGE

• YELLOW• GREEN

• BLUE• PURPLE

• BROWN• BLACK

Square circle rectangle triangle Star diamond pentagon octagon

HeLP YOUr CHiLd StaYHeaLtHY & Fitreduce obesITy rIsk:• Focus on healthy foods for mealtimes and snacks.• Choose fruits and vegetables.• Avoid packaged processed foods.• Try to be active or moving for at least 1 hour a day.• Avoid screen time by reducing the time spent watching TV or movies,

playing video games, and keeping computer web surfing to an hour a day or less.

• Kids never “need juice,” so try to avoid until the child is at least 18 months old.

• Some one year olds need whole milk and some do not, so talk to your doctor.

• Choose skim milk or water when thirsty and avoid soda, juice, energy drinks and milk shakes.

• Drinks such as Kool-Aid, sweet tea, soda, juice, and energy drinks lead to obesity and tooth decay.

cougHs, colds, vIral Illnesses:• Every child will get 1-2 colds or viral illnesses a month in their first 2

years of life.• Children in day care will be more prone to getting colds and coughs.• Talk to your doctor about appropriate medications for colds.• Do not use over the counter cold medications until age 4, unless

instructed by your child’s doctor.• Teach your child about the importance of hand washing and covering

their mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.

HelmeTs:• Start your child wearing helmets early.• Never let your child ride a bike, tricycle, or big wheel without a helmet.• Think of helmets for more than just biking (skateboarding, skiing, roller

skating, sledding, etc.) to prevent head injury.

denTal care:• Children need a dental check up by 1-2 years of age and benefit from

regular follow up.

• Talk to your child’s dentist about dental sealants as a step to prevent tooth decay after age 3.

• Children 3 and older should brush their teeth with toothpaste that contains fluoride at least twice a day.

• Children 1-3 years should use non-fluoride toothpaste.

asTHma:• Asthma is a disease that affects the lungs and is one of the most

common long-term (chronic) diseases of children.• Causes repeated episodes of wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness,

and nighttime or early morning coughing.• Can be controlled by a medical management plan and by avoiding

contact with environmental triggers, such as cockroaches, dust mites, furry pets, mold, tobacco smoke, and other airway irritants.

• If your child has asthma, ask your medical provider for an asthma action plan to share with your school or child care provider.

sTress:• Children can feel pressures from people, situations, and their daily

environment just like adults, but may not know how to express what they are feeling.

• Be alert to signs that may signal your child is feeling stress, such as: mood changes, increase in temper tantrums, bed-wetting, sleep changes, stomach aches, headaches, and nervous behaviors like hair twirling or nose picking.

• Make time to talk with and listen to your child, and involve them in activities like taking a walk or setting the table.

• Remember: Your child learns how to deal with stress from you.

ImmunIzaTIons:• Vaccination reduces the chances of infection and epidemics by

reducing the number of unprotected people who may be infected and transmit the disease.

• Your school physical form will include a section to document the immunizations your child has received.

• The medical provider will administer and document any additional immunizations needed to enter school at the time of the physical.

Parent reSOUrCeSamerIcan academy oF pedIaTrIcs

• Health and wellness information for families including information on developmental stages, immunizations, and parenting.

www.aap.org

cHIld care resource servIce

• Works to support the well-being of children and families by promoting the availability of quality child care services in the area.

http://ccrs.illinois.edu/

communITy HealTH ImprovemenT cenTer-cHIc

• A federally qualified health center that provides primary outpatient medical care to Macon and its surrounding counties.

2905 N. Main St. Decatur, IL 62526 | 217-877-9177

decaTur Il moms

• Resource and networking community for parents raising kids in the Decatur, IL area.

www.decaturilmoms.com

easTer seals oF cenTral IllInoIs

• Provides exceptional services to ensure that people with disabilities and their families have equal opportunity to live, learn, work and play in their communities.

www.easterseals-ci.org

2715 N. 27th St. Decatur, IL 62526 | 217-429-1052

Igrow

• A community program that works with families to provide the tools they need to raise their kids in the most successful way possible.

www.igrowMaconCounty.org

1221 E. Condit Street, Decatur, IL 62521 | 217-423-6988

IllInoIs sTaTe board oF educaTIon

• Official website of the ISBE, with school report cards, registration information and news.

www.isbe.state.il.us

IllInoIs early learnIng proJecT

• Provides information on early care and education to parents, caregivers and teachers of young children.

www.illinoisearlylearning.org/

kIz club: learnIng resources For kIds

• Printable flashcards, nursery rhymes, and games for parents and children.

www.kizclub.com

macon counTy HealTH deparTmenT - denTal clInIc

• Provides dental care to both children and adults who are Macon county residents and are currently on the medical card for the state of Illinois.

1221 E. Condit St. Decatur, IL 62521 | 217-423-6988 ext. 1107

macon-pIaTT regIonal oFFIce oF educaTIon

• Official website of the local Regional Office of Education.

www.maconpiattroe.org

macon resources, Inc.

• Provides comprehensive services that promote growth, independence, and self worth in children and adults with disabilities.

www.maconresources.org

2121 Hubbard Ave. PO Box 2760 Decatur, Il 62524 | 217-875-1910

play 2 learn prInTables

• Activities and printables for young children.

www.play2learnprintables.com

scHolasTIc

• Provides information, activities and advice for parents with a focus on literacy and learning.

• Has printable educational sheets for parents and caregivers of young children.

www.scholastic.com

baby Talk TImes• Small parent-child groups designed for families

with children birth to three to share parenting questions and concerns, celebrate babies’ achievements and have fun with books, toys, songs, and finger plays.

• When: Every Thursday 9:30 am – 10:15 am AND 10:45 am – 11:30 am

• Where: 130 N. Franklin St., Decatur, IL 62523 inside Decatur Public Library

• Cost: Free• For more info go to www.babytalk.org

or call 217-475-2229

blues In cenTral park• When: 6 pm on every third Thursday of the month,

June through August• Cost: Free, but bring your own chair.

cHIldren’s museum oF IllInoIs• When: Call or see website for hours• Where: 55 S. Country Club Rd., Decatur, IL 62521• Cost: $5 admission• For more info go to www.cmofil.org

or call 217-423-5437

decaTur area arTs councIl• Where: 125 N. Water St., Decatur, IL 62523• For more info go to www.decaturarts.org or call 217-423-3189

decaTur munIcIpal band• When and Where: June – August, 6 pm Sundays at Fairview Park;

7 pm Mondays at Downtown Central Park• Cost: Free, but bring your own chair.

dIsc• Where: 1295 W. Wood St., Decatur, IL 62522• For more info go to www.decatur-parks.org or call 217-429-3472

FaIrvIew park• Near Millikin University, Decatur, IL

gallery 510• Free public reception first Friday evening of each month featuring

a local artist’s work during downtown Decatur “art walks.”• Where: 160 E. Main St., Decatur, IL 62523• For more info call 217-422-1509

grIswold conservaTIon area• RR 2 Box 207, Blue Mound, IL

HIeronymus mueller museum• Where: 420 W. Eldorado, Decatur, IL 62523• Cost: $2 for adults / $1.50 for children• For more info call 217-423-6161

macon counTy museum complex• Where: 5580 N. Fork Rd., Decatur, IL 62521• Cost: $2 admission • For more info call 217-422-4919

marI-mann Herb Farm• Where: 1405 Mari-Mann Ln., Decatur, IL 62521• Cost: Free, paid guides available• For more info call 217-429-1404

rock sprIngs naTure cenTer• Where: 3939 Nearing Ln., Decatur, IL 62521• Cost: Free• For more info call 217-423-7708

scovIll zoo• Where: 79 S. Country Club Rd., Decatur, IL 62521• When: Call or see website for hours• Cost:$5.25 adults / $3.25 children• For more info go to www.decatur-parks.org/scovill-zoo

or call 217-421-7435

parks• Check your local community for neighborhood parks.• For more info go to www.decatur-parks.org or call 217-422-5911

ymca• Where: 220 W. McKinley Ave., Decatur, IL 62526• For more info go to www.decaturymca.org or call 217-872-9622

Places to go/things to do

Must readsmusT reads For cHIldren aged bIrTH To Two

Animal Spots & Stripes by Britta TeckentrupAnimals Speak by Lila PrapBackseat A-B-See by Maria van LieshoutButterfly Colors and Counting by Jerry PallottaConstruction Kitties by Judy Goodwin SturgesDinosaurs Zoom! by Penny DaleFaces for Baby compiled by Yana PeelFarm by James BrownFish Had a Wish by Michael GarlandFlight 1-2-3 by Maria van LieshoutHave You Seen Duck? By Janet Holmes & Jonathan BentleyHello, Baby Beluga by Darrin LundeHow Do Dinosaurs Eat Cookies? by Jane YolenI Like Vegetables by Lorena SiminovichI Spy on the Farm by Edward GibbsI Spy with My Little Eye by Edward GibbsI Will Keep You Safe and Sound by Lori H HouranIn the Garden by Elizabeth SpurrInto the Outdoors by Susan GalKitten’s Summer by Eugenie FernandesLlama Llama Zippity-Zoom by Anna Dewdney

musT reads For cHIldren aged THree To FIve

All the World by Liz ScanlonBlueberries for Sal by Robert McCloskeyBread and Jam for Frances by Russell HobanBunny Cakes by Rosemary WellsCaps for Sale by Esphyr SlobodkinaChicken Little by Rebecca EmberleyCorduroy by Don FreemanDon’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! by Mo WillemsGeorge and Martha by James MarshallGoldilocks and the Three Bears by James MarshallGood Night Moon by Margaret Wise BrownGreen Eggs and Ham by Dr. SeussGreenwillow by Kevin HenkesHarry the Dirty Dog by Gene ZionHow to Heal a Broken Wing by Bob GrahamIf You Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura NumeroffKitten’s First Full Moon by Kevin HenkesMadeline’s Rescue by Ludwig Bemelmans

Lolo Reads to Leo by Anna McQuinnMachines Go to Work in the City by William LowMaisy Grows a Garden by Lucy CousinsMama Hen’s Big Day by Jill LatterMaria Had A Little Llama/Maria Tenia una Llama Pequena by Angela DominquezMonkey Ono by J.C. PhillipsMoonlight by Helen GriffithMy Farm Friends by Wendell MinorNot that Tutu! by Michelle Sinclair ColmanOcean Counting by Janet LawlerOliver by Christopher FranceschelliOne, Two, Buckle My Shoe: A Counting Nursery Rhyme by Slaina YoonPeekaboo! by Taro GomiPeepsqueak! by Leslie Ann ClarkShout! Shout It Out! by Denise FlemingSlow Snail and Quick Duck by Mary MurphySummer Days and Nights by Wong Herbert YeeThe Rain Train by Elena de RooTrains Go by Steve LightWho’s Hiding? by Sebastian Braun

Make Way for Ducklings by Robert McCloskeyMike Mulligan and the Steam Shovel by Virginia BurtonMillions of Cats by Wanda GagNo, David! By David ShannonRead Aloud Rhymes For the Very Young by Jack PrelutskySeven Blind Mice by Ed YoungSwimmy by Leo LionniThe Gingerbread Boy by Paul GaldoneThe Lion and the Mouse by Jerry PinkneyThe Neighborhood Mother Goose by Mother GooseThe Story of Ferdinand by Munro LeafThe Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix PotterThe Three Bill Goats Gruff by Paul GaldoneThe Wolf’s Chicken Stew by Keiko KaszaTomie DePaola’s Mother Goose by Mother GooseVery Hungry Caterpillar by Eric CarleWhistle for Willie by Ezra Jack Keats

local library list• argenTa-oreana publIc lIbrary

100 E. Water Street | Argenta, IL | 217-759-2144• barclay publIc lIbrary

220 E. Main Street | Warrensburg, IL | 217-672-3621• blue mound memorIal publIc lIbrary

213 N. Saint Marie Street | Blue Mound, IL | 217-692-2774• decaTur publIc lIbrary

130 N. Franklin Street | Decatur, IL | 217-424-2500• ForsyTH publIc lIbrary

268 S. Elwood Street | Forsyth, IL | 217-877-8174

• IllIopolIs publIc lIbrary 6th and Mary Street | Illiopolis, IL | 217-468-5561

• maroa publIc lIbrary 305 E. Garfield | Maroa, IL | 217-794-5111

• mT. zIon dIsTrIcT lIbrary 115 W. Main Street | Mt. Zion, IL | 217-864-3622

• souTH macon publIc lIbrary 451 West Glenn Street | Macon, IL | 217-764-3356

all abouT THe lIbrary…• Public libraries can be used by anyone and are a great place

to go for information, even without a library card.

• Books, videos, and music can be borrowed from the library.

• There are plenty of places to read books at the library without checking them out.

• You have to sign up for a library card to be able to take the books home.

• You can get a library card for free, just ask the librarian – they will be glad to help. Children who can write their own name can usually get their own library card.

• You can usually check books out for three weeks.

• If you do not return your books by the date indicated, you will be charged a fine for each late day.

• There are often great activities like book readings and exhibits at libraries, just ask!

local school districts

area private schools

• argenTa – oreana communITy unIT scHool dIsTrIcT #1 500 N. Main St., P.O. Box 440 | Argenta, IL 62501 217-795-4821

• maroa-ForsyTH communITy unIT dIsTrIcT #2 101 Cedar St., P.O. Box 738 | Maroa, IL 61756 217-794-3488

• decaTur publIc scHools unIT dIsTrIcT oFFIce #61 101 W. Cerro Gordo St. | Decatur, IL 62523 217-424-3000

• roberTson cHarTer scHool 2240 E. Geddes Ave. | Decatur, IL 62526 217-428-7072

• merIdIan communITy unIT scHool dIsTrIcT #15 728 S. Wall St., P.O. Box 347 | Macon, IL 62544 217-764-5269

• mT. zIon communITy unIT scHool dIsTrIcT #3 455 Elm St. | Mt. Zion, IL 62549 217-864-2366

• sangamon valley communITy unIT scHool dIsTrIcT #9 398 N. Illinois St., P.O. Box 200 | Niantic, IL 62551 217-668-2338

• warrensburg – laTHam communITy unIT scHool dIsTrIcT #11 100 West St. | Warrensburg, IL 62573 217-672-3531

• praIrIe Flower monTessorI scHool | 4 monTHs – 6 years old 3130 Turpin Rd. | Decatur, IL 62521 217-423-5200

• sT. paTrIck scHool | prescHool – 8TH 412 N. Jackson St. | Decatur, IL 62523 217-423-4351

• Holy FamIly caTHolIc scHool | prescHool – 8TH 2400 S. Franklin Street Rd. | Decatur, IL 62521 217-423-7049

• HIllsIde beTHel cHrIsTIan scHool | prescHool - 8TH 3575 Greenhill Rd. | Decatur, IL 62521 217-429-5590

• decaTur cHrIsTIan scHool | prescHool – 12TH 137 S. Grant St. | Forsyth, IL 62535 217-877-5636

• luTHeran scHool assocIaTIon | kIndergarTen – 12TH 2001 E. Mound Rd. | Decatur, IL 62526 217-233-2001

• our lady oF lourdes | kIndergarTen - 8TH 3850 Lourdes Ln. | Decatur, IL 62526 217-877-4408

• anTIocH cHrIsTIan academy | kIndergarTen – 6TH 3475 N. Maple Ave. | Decatur, IL 62526 217-875-0529

• sT. Teresa HIgH scHool | 9TH – 12TH 2710 N. Water St. | Decatur, IL 62526 217-875-2431

This calendar has been developed through the collaborative efforts of early childhood educators and service providers in macon county.

125 north water street, suite 200 | decatur, Il217.429.3000 | www.edco4kids.org

edco calendar 11x8.5 krc sp 2-5f_web

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