Discovery Kindergarten helps kids get ready for school! Children will get to come to the Kansas Children’s Discovery Center with their caregiver when the facility is normally closed for a special learning playtime. Participants can explore a simulated kindergarten classroom with teachers and learn how to prepare for first day at school. Caregivers will get tips on developing skills at home.
Discovery Kindergarten will be from 4 - 6 p.m. at the Kansas Children's Discovery Center on the following dates. Registrants may choose any date, each session is the same:
Monday, June 10, 2024
Monday, June 24, 2024
Monday, July 1, 2024
Monday, July 15, 2024
Monday, July 29, 2024 (Spanish-speaking teachers will be present)
Advance registration is required. Please complete the following form to register.
Parent Resources from Discovery at Home
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