Discovery Kindergarten is a free, fun resource for all incoming kindergarten students, attending any school, provided by the Kansas Children's Discovery Center.
Discovery at Home resources are a great way to have fun while preparing for school! A few of our favorites for incoming kindergarten students include:
- Estimation Exploration
- Shaving Cream Sensory Play
- Letter Hunt
- Rubber Band Process Art
- Tree Climbing and Acceptable Risk
- DIY Dandelion Playdough (printable PDF)
Parent resource articles are packed with tips and tricks for getting your child ready for a lifetime of learning:
- A Teacher’s Six Simple Steps For the Start of School by Nicole Meier, Auburn-Washburn Schools
- Getting Ready for School: Four Tips from a Kindergarten Teacher by Nicole Meier, Auburn-Washburn Schools
- 10 Ways to Get Your Child Ready for Kindergarten by the Discovery Center education team
- Ready, Set, Kindergarten: A guide for assessing your child's school readiness, tips for helping prepare your child and suggestions on where to go locally for help (printable PDF)
Ask an Educator videos are a great way to learn more about what to expect when your child starts school:
- How can I get my preschooler ready to learn? with Veronica Byrd, Parents as Teachers
- How can I get my preschooler excited about reading? with Josie Dease, Seaman Public Schools
- Is My Child Ready for Preschool? with LaManda Broyles, Topeka Public Schools
- Ask an Educator with Dr. Pilar Mejía, Topeka Public Schools
Camp Kindergarten helps get kids ready for school! Children and their caregivers come to the Discovery Center when the facility is normally closed for a special educational playtime and chance to explore a simulated classroom with teachers. Sessions are typically held in June with dates announced and registration opening in the spring. Virtual versions of Camp Kindergarten were recorded in 2020 and are available online.
The Discovery Kindergarten Fair is a community-wide celebration of all things kindergarten! The Discovery Center opens with free admission and dozens of community partners on-hand to offer activities, learning resources, health screenings, and more! A real school bus helps kids prepare for bus-riding, and the full museum is open for play. The fair is typically held at the end of July with the date announced and registration opening in the spring.
The Discovery Center thanks the following community partners for their support of Discovery Kindergarten. Students from all area districts are welcome.
