WESTFIELD-With the days of summer passing quickly, soon children will be back in classrooms – and for some youngsters entering kindergarten – the thought of starting school might be intimidating.
To help alleviate the anxiety that some children might be feeling, a fun and thoughtful program titled “Countdown to Kindergarten” will be offered at the Amelia Park Children’s Museum on South Broad Street on Aug. 18.
Katherine Daly, director/manager of the Amelia Park Children’s Museum, will be assisted by staff members including Grace Bergeron, on right, when they present a unique program titled “Countdown to Kindergarten.”
“Countdown to Kindergarten was offered years ago, and we want to bring it back this year, to help children and families transition to kindergarten,” said Katherine Daly, museum director/manager.
The 60-minute program will be offered at 11 a.m. and again at 1 p.m. and is free with a paid admission. Museum admission is $7 per person.
The first 20 families to register will also receive a free copy of “Miss Bindergarten Gets Ready for Kindergarten.”
“Parents and children should attend to gain insight on what to expect in kindergarten,” said Daly, who has a master’s in early childhood education and is a former preschool teacher. “This program will allow children to learn through Howard Gardener’s eight styles of learning, which will captivate learners on many levels.”
Daly noted that the program is “special” because it’s a way for children and parents or caregivers to experience a guided glimpse of kindergarten.
“The program will allow parents and children to see where they stand academically and socially, as they learn through play and interact with peers,” said Daly.
Program highlights for youngsters include creating a bookmark with a variety of stickers, story time, a sing-a-long, and planting a seed of “knowledge” with either sunflower seeds or marigolds, or a variety of foods including beans, peas or pumpkins. In addition, parents will receive helpful information to take home.
“Children are also encouraged to play in the museum, which offers exhibits, and play through learning, all equipped with skills for kindergarten,” said Daly, adding that projects include counting and sorting, building, dramatic play, science and reading.
“Each exhibit is equipped with a sign describing the ways to utilize learning,” said Daly.
Daly and the museum staff members who are majoring in education will be hosting the programs.
“The staff will all be trained ahead of time to ensure the children will not only be learning but having a wonderful time at the event,” said Daly.
For more information, call the museum at (413) 572-4014 or visit www.ameliaparkmuseum.org.
