By Andrew Wigger

awigger@civitasmedia.com

Youths explore their future classroom at Prosperity Rikard. They were excited for the chance to play in the boat designated for the reading hour.
https://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/web1_DSC_0216.jpgYouths explore their future classroom at Prosperity Rikard. They were excited for the chance to play in the boat designated for the reading hour. Andrew Wigger | The Newberry Observer

Adele Harmon of Prosperity Rikard stands with her students from the Countdown to Kindergarten program. These students will be in her kindergarten class during the 2015-16 school year.
https://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/web1_DSC_0200.jpgAdele Harmon of Prosperity Rikard stands with her students from the Countdown to Kindergarten program. These students will be in her kindergarten class during the 2015-16 school year. Andrew Wigger | The Newberry Observer

NEWBERRY COUNTY — Since 2003 Newberry County First Steps has held a program called Countdown to Kindergarten, which prepares youths for their first year of school.

“Countdown to Kindergarten is a program based on other successful school transition models from around the country,” said Pat Caldwell, who works Early Childhood Education with First Steps. “Throughout the summer, First Steps releases tips to media to help parents and caregivers get children ready for kindergarten.”

The goals of the program are to increase the successful transition of South Carolina’ s most at risk children into a K-12 school system, increase parent involvement in the early grades when children’s learning is foundational for life success, to increase public awareness for the importance of school readiness and provide ways for parents and communities to impact children’s early school success.

The teachers participating this year were Alison Bowers and Kerry Truluck from Newberry Elementary, Adele Harmon from Prosperity-Rikard Elementary and Michelle Branham from Pomaria Garmany Elementary.

Forty students from around the county took part in the program.

The teachers made six home visits to the participating families over the summer to spend time with their students. For example, Truluck went to Grant Homes, Nance Forest, Louis Rich Road, Pope Road and Moon Street. The homes typically are not very far from the school.

The children and families are introduced to actual materials used in kindergarten and are given a kindergarten transition tool-kit to keep.

Each teacher conducted activities based on how they wanted to interact with their future students. Harmon, who met with her students at Prosperity-Rikard, did a variety of activities, including reading, drawing, exploring outside and talking about the rules. Truluck spent the duration of her first home visit getting to know the students and their families.

“The first was an all about me visit where I learned about my students and their families and shared photos and things with them about me and my family,” she said.

The family visits started around the third week in June and continued until about the second week of August. The final visit is a type of field trip for the children in that they come to the school for a tour and to get to know the school.

“The students get to meet each other and get a tour of the school. They will also see their classroom. This will get them ready for that first day of school,” Harmon said.

Another important aspect of the CTK program is helping parents get ready. While a lot of parents may have had children go through kindergarten, this might be the first time for many others.

“My advice for starting kindergarten is just to relax and enjoy this year of firsts together. Kindergarten is such a fun time of learning both socially and academically. I know parents are always nervous to leave their kids, often for the first time, but rest assured that they are loved and cared for very much,” Truluck said.

“I would encourage parents to be as involved as possible in their child’s education. Read together each night, keep close communication with their teachers, encourage them along the way,” Truluck added. “Parents are their child’s first teachers and parents will set the tone for students regarding the importance of their education from here on out so just be as involved as you can and give them the constant love and support that only a parent can give.”

Harmon said it’s been her experience that the first day of school may be harder for first time parents rather than the student. She helps reassure the parents by having an open line of communication, letting them know they are always welcome in the school and talking to her.

Reach Andrew Wigger at 803-276-0625 ext. 1867 or on Twitter @TheNBOnews.