March Kindergarten Readiness Newsletter

Dear Pre-K Families,

It’s time to register for kindergarten! It’s a great time to talk with your child about kindergarten, and get your documents ready, so you can register your child.  Also, if you know of friends and families interested in the 2026-27 MNPS Pre-K program the initial application period is March 2 - 31, 2026 (3:30 p.m. deadline).

Warm Wishes, MNPS Early Learning Team

Learning at Home

Each month this section will feature a recommended book and activity for families.  Now that your child is getting ready for kindergarten, it’s a good time for them to understand what to expect in their kindergarten experience. We recommend reading Look Out Kindergarten, Here I Come by Nancy Carlson.

After reading the book, start talking about some of the differences between Pre-K and kindergarten (i.e., school location, rest time, teachers, length of the school day).  Encourage your child to ask questions.

ACTIVITY: “Create a Kindergarten List”

Create a list with your child of the items that they think they will need for their first day of kindergarten.  Ask them why they need those items. Write out the list and have your child practice writing those words.

Important Dates

• March 2: 2026-27 MNPS Pre-K Application Opens. Families can apply online: https://earlylearning.mnps.org/pre-kindergarten
• March 6: Half day for all students; Third quarter ends
• March 9-13: Spring Break holiday

Save the Date: 2026 MNPS Countdown to Kindergarten Fair Saturday, May 2, 2026 (9am - 1pm) at Lentz Public Health Center. Free event!

Family Connect

One of the greatest resources to encourage your child’s learning over the summer is your local library!  The Nashville Public Library has many great and free resources for families over the summer.  There are local library branches throughout the Nashville area, and a library card is FREE if you
complete an application.

The library not only provides books for the entire family, but there are also DVDs, Music, and some offer computer access.  Check your local library’s event calendar, since they offer story times, puppet shows and workshops/events for the whole family.

This is a good time to get ready for the summer and get a free library card. You can get a Nashville Public Library card online.  Also, make sure to check your local newspaper and local community sites/centers for family events in your area.

Family Support Corner

Getting ready for kindergarten can be an exciting and educational experience for both you and your child.  Right now, is a great time to practice how to follow directions and a routine.  Begin by practicing one step directions with your child. For example, have your child put away their toys. Once they have mastered a one-step activity, provide an activity that has two step directions.  For example, ask them to wash an apple and then dry the apple with a towel.

To practice a routine, create a daily routine chart together.  Start with morning activities such as brushing their teeth and washing their face. A chart can be created by drawing or using magazine cut-outs to show your child’s daily activities.  Make sure to have the chart displayed at your child’s eye level in your home. Review the chart with your child and speak positively of their efforts to follow their routine.

Remember children are young explorers and first-time learners.  Children need practice, and these opportunities will provide a learning experience.

Supporting Healthy Relationships

Friendship skills are just as important for your child’s kindergarten readiness, as knowing their ABC’s and 123’s.  Sometimes making friends is not easy for all children.  Discuss with your child that sharing, taking turns, and expressing their feelings are important skills that can help them in making friends.

Also, it’s important to say thank you and please, and listen and not interrupt our friends when they talk.  The next time you talk with your child about kindergarten speak enthusiastically about all the new friends that they will make in their new school adventure.

Kindergarten Readiness Tip

The 2026-27 MNPS kindergarten registration opened on January 26th.  Current MNPS Pre-K Families: Register for kindergarten through the
Campus Parent Portal.

New MNPS Families: Register for kindergarten through the MNPS Online Registration Portal.

If a language other than English is spoken in your home, families can register online and if you need registration assistance, families can contact the MNPS English Learners (EL) Office.  MNPS EL Office Contact Information: (615) 259-8608 or ELReg@mnps.org.

 

Sign up for FREE texts with activities & tips to support families with children 0-3 years old. Text “MNPS” to 70138.  Learn more earlylearning.mnps.org/birth-to-three.