School Readiness Activities
Day 1 (Brigance Screener – Prints his/her first and last name)
Write the child’s first name in large, clear print on the top of a piece of paper, allow child to copy. Next, turn the paper over and write the child’s last name in large, clear print on the top of the paper and allow child to copy. After child is proficient with each, write both the first and last name together and allow child to copy. Make sure that you capitalize both the first and last names and that lowercase letters are used for all other letters.
Day 2 (Brigance Screener – Knows the front and back of the book)
Get your child’s favorite book to read to him/her, but ask several questions before reading. First of all ask your child which side is the front of the book, then ask which is the back of the book. Explain to your child what a “title” is and what the “author” and “illustrator” do.
Day 3 (Brigance Screener – Understands that text progresses from left to right)
Read a book to your child, and as you read follow along with your finger tracing an imaginary line under each word that you are reading. When you have finished reading, open the book to the first page and point to a word, asking the child which word should be read next. Even though your child may not recognize the word he/she should be able to tell you that the word on the right comes next.
Day 4 (Brigance Screener – Understands that text progresses from top to bottom)
Read another book to your child, again following along with your finger tracing an imaginary line under each word that you are reading. When you have finished, open to any page in the book and ask the child where you should begin reading. The child should point to the first word on the top of the page.
Day 5 (Brigance Screener – Recites the alphabet: a-z)
Sing the alphabet song, which your child should be very familiar with by now. After singing the alphabet song, lay out a sheet containing all 26 letters and practice saying the letters while pointing to each one. This will help your child both recognize the letters and slow down to recitation instead of singing.
Day 6 (Brigance Screener – Counts by rote to 30)
Tell your child “count as high as you can for me.” Keep a mental note of how high the child counts, and which numbers he/she leaves out. Practice with your child and master this skill in increments of 10, for example make sure that your child can count to 10 before moving onto numbers any higher. You can practice this skill over several days.
Day 7 (Brigance Screener – Can sort items by color, size, and shape)
This skill will give your child the ability to later make patterns and understand grouping. Gather several items, such as socks, and group them into three groups containing at least three items (you will need 9 items at a minimum). For example, you may have three black socks, three white socks, and three brown socks and have these as your groups. Ask your child “why are these socks grouped together?” Now, change your groups by size, perhaps you have a baby size, a child size, and an adult size group. Again, have your child analyze the groups and discuss why the socks are in each group. Finally, create a group of different types of socks such as ankle socks, tube socks and dress socks. Ask the child questions about each group and have him/her analyze the similarities in your groups.
Day 8 (Brigance Screener – Draws an X, squares, circles, triangles, rectangles, and diamonds)
Ask your child to draw each of the following shapes: X, square, circle, triangle, rectangle and diamond. Make sure you ask the child to draw each shape one at a time to give the child time to produce the drawing. If you notice the child struggling, provide him/her with a sample that you draw. If one shape proves to be particularly challenging, allow your child to trace your sample several times.
Day 9 (Brigance Screener – Can count a group of objects to six, and be able to match objects to numerals)
Lay out six blocks on the table and ask your child to count them, moving his/her finger from one object to the next as they count. If your child needs help with this task, count out loud, and take your child’s finger, moving it along the items as you count. After your child has mastered this skill, lay out six sheets of paper that have the numbers one through six written at the top. Ask your child, please put three blocks on the paper that has the number three written on it. If your child needs help, show him/her how to complete the task by putting three blocks on the paper with the number three. Practice this several times and allow your child to explore putting the blocks on each paper with the matching number.
Day 10 (Brigance Screener – Recognizes five colors)
Get out the markers and draw large circles on a piece of paper using red, blue, yellow, green, and purple. Ask your child to identify each color as you point to the circle. Have your child think of something that is each color and allow him/her to draw these items using the marker of the color identified. If they say “cherry” for red, give them the red marker and allow them to draw a cherry.
Day 11 (Brigance Screener – Determine total of two sets)
To help your child understand some concrete, pre-Math skills, lay out 10 blocks on the table and begin to set up simple math problems. You will want to make two simple groups and ask your child to determine the total which will help them develop early addition skills. For example, lay out a group of two blocks together and a group of three blocks together. Say to your child “If I have two blocks and you give me three blocks, how many do I have now?” Count with your child the first several times, showing them how to count to determine a total.
Day 12 (Brigance Screener – Observes, describes, and discusses living things and natural processes)
Go outside into your yard and look for birds and/or bird nests in nearby trees. Ask your child, “Why do birds have feathers and we have hair?” Ask your child “Why do birds build their nests high up in trees?” Discuss other things such as why birds do not live in houses like humans, and how birds get their food. These discussions will allow your child to use critical thinking skills to understand natural processes.
Day 13 (Brigance Screener – Observes and discuss common properties, differences, and comparisons among objects)
Lay a heavy mixing bowl and light plastic bowl, of a different size and color, on your table and have a discussion with your child about the similarities and differences in the bowls. Help your child understand the similarities by asking “What do these two things have that are the same?” Your child may say things like “they are both bowls” or “they are both round”, praise your child’s effort. Then ask “How are these two things different?” If your child needs help noticing differences, ask them “Is one heavier than the other?” You can also ask “Are they the same color?” or “Is one larger than the other?”
Day 14 (Brigance Screener – Participates in simple investigations to form hypothesis, gather observations, draw conclusions and form generalizations)
To prepare for today’s activities, place a large bowl of water on your table and prepare six objects of different sizes and weights to drop in. Write the name of each object on the paper and before dropping each object into the water, ask your child “Do you think this will sink or float?” You may have to show your child on the first object what sinking and floating looks like. After you drop the object in, ask your child “Why did this sink?” or “Why did this float?” Help your child to understand that weight is the property that generally determines if an object sinks or floats. Allowing your child to guess before each item will help them to practice scientific inquiry skills.
Day 15 (Brigance Screener – Participates in music activities such as listening, singing or performing)
Play your child’s favorite song and allow them to dance and sing along. Have fun with your child, and if they are not dancing, get up and dance yourself, inviting your child to join along. Alternatively, you can also give your child a hairbrush and let them use it as a microphone while they give you a private concert right in your own home!
Day 16 (Brigance Screener – Creates artistic works that reflect thoughts, feelings, experiences, or knowledge)
Give your child art supplies such as crayons and blank pieces of paper, then without much prompting ask your child to draw a “happy” picture. After your child has drawn a “happy” picture, ask them what they put into their happy picture and what makes them happy. Alternatively, try this another day but ask the child to draw you a “sad” picture or an “angry” picture. It is important that children understand their emotions so that they can regulate them.
Day 17 (Brigance Screener – Uses creative movement to express concepts ideas, or feelings)
Play some music for your child and ask him/her to show you a “happy” dance. Ask them why they chose the moves that they are using for their “happy” dance. Get up and join your child showing them what your “happy” dance looks like. Alternatively, try this with other emotions such as a “sad” dance and an “angry” dance.
Day 18 (Brigance Screener – Shares or waits his/her turn)
Play a simple game with your child by setting up two buckets across the room from each other and giving your child several rolled up socks. The object of the game is simply to stand by one bucket and throw your socks into the bucket across the room. The game will alternate between you and your child, each throwing one sock at a time. This will help your child to practice taking turns instead of taking every turn during the game.
Day 19 (Brigance Screener – Knows his/her full name)
Ask your child, “What is your first name?” Next, ask your child “What is your last name?” Place a piece of paper in front of your child that has their full name printed on it. Point to the child’s first name and ask “Is this your first name or last name?” Do this with the last name, then let your child practice writing both the first and last name.
Day 20 (Brigance Screener – Knows his/her birth date)
Ask your child “When is your birthday?” If the child does not give you the correct date, provide them with the date and let them practice repeating it several times. Next, give them a piece of paper where they can draw a “birthday cake” that has their favorite character or design on it. As they are drawing, talk to their child about their birthday, the date, the month, the weather, and even about events from the day they were born.
Day 21 (Brigance Screener – Knows his/her age)
Ask your child “How old are you?” If they tell you ask them to show you on their fingers how old they are. Lay out a piece of paper that has the child’s age printed on it in very large print. Give the child some play-doh and allow him/her to form the number, by rolling the play-doh into long strips and molding it around the printed number.
Day 22 (Brigance Screener – Knows his/her address)
Ask your child “What is your address?” Explain to your child that an address is where you live and that it is important to know their address in case of emergency because emergency responders may need the address. After you have practiced reciting your address, allow your child to draw a map from their house to school. Talk to them about landmarks such as sharp curves, hills, etc. that they may want to include in their drawing.
Day 23 (Brigance Screener – Knows his/her telephone number)
Lay either a toy phone or a piece of paper with a drawing of a phone in front of your child. Tell them to dial your phone number (either your cell number or your land line). If they do not know the number, dial it for them pushing the buttons slowly and reciting each number as you press it. Have your child do this several times to help them memorize the number and see how dialing a phone works.
Day 24 (Brigance Screener – Knows his/her mother/father or caregivers name)
Ask your child, “What is Mommy’s (or alternate) name?” or “What is Daddy’s (or alternate) name?” If the child responds by saying “Mommy” or “Daddy”, try asking “What does Mommy call Daddy?” If your child still does not respond tell them your first name. Ask your child to repeat back to you what the first names of their caregivers are.
Day 25 (Brigance Screener – Runs and jumps)
Set up a small obstacle course either inside or outside depending on your space. Have things like a cup or other small objects on the course that your child can “jump” over. Use large boxes to create a space for them to crawl through. Have fun and make the obstacle course as easy/difficult as appropriate for your child’s abilities.
Day 26 (Brigance Screener – Cuts with scissors)
Draw a large square on a piece of paper and have your child cut this out using a pair of child friendly scissors. Next, move on to drawing a diamond and allow your child to cut this out. Watch for the form of your child’s hand around the scissors and model the correct way to hold and manipulate scissors if necessary. After your child cuts around these objects successfully, increase the difficulty of the object by drawing rounded shapes such as circles and ovals.
Day 27 (Brigance Screener –Walks backwards…toe to heel four steps)
Show your child how to walk backward by walking a straight line down the middle of your floor. If you wish to have a line to guide your steps, lay out pieces of paper or a long measuring stick. After you try, encourage your child and praise their effort. If they fall, encourage them to get up and try again. Increase difficulty by asking them to move several steps backward at a time.
Day 28 (Brigance Screener – recognizes five colors)
Buy some Jell-O from the local supermarket and set up a color mixing experiment with your child. Buy red Jell-O, yellow Jell-O, blue Jell-O and green Jell-O. As you mix up the individual packs, ask your child to identify the color of each pack. Next, use a measuring cup to dip a cup of both the red Jell-O and the blue Jell-O and mix them together into one small bowl. Ask your child what color he/she thinks this will produce. Also, mix a cup of the yellow Jell-O with a cup of the red Jell-O and ask your child what color he/she thinks this will produce. When the Jell-O hardens show them the purple and orange Jell-O that was produced by mixing colors.
Day 29 (Brigance Screener – knows his/her mother/father or caregivers name)
Get out some family photos and ask your child “Where is _____?” using your first name instead of calling yourself “Mommy” or “Daddy”. Do this with other family members by using their name instead of “Sissy”, “Bubby”, “Grandma”, “Papaw”, etc.
Day 30 (Brigance Screener – draws an X, square, circles, triangles, rectangles, and diamonds)
Put shaving cream on a tray and smooth it into a “writing” board for your child. Draw an “X” and ask your child to imitate your drawing below yours. If he/she cannot do it, ask them to trace the one that you made. After the child has mastered the “X”, wipe away their work and move on to the square. Follow this procedure until you have covered X, square, circle, triangle, rectangle, and diamond.
Day 31 (Brigance Screener – can tell a story or share an experience)
Have your child think back to his/her last birthday party and about the events of that party. Ask your child questions such as, “What did you get?” and “Who came to your party?” “What was the theme/who was on your cake?” After your child shares this experience, let him/her draw a picture of their birthday party.
Day 32 (Brigance Screener – can count by rote to 30)
Create a “scavenger hunt” for your child by creating a map that has directions and a “treasure” at the end of the map. Make your map and directions specific by saying “take 30 steps forward, then turn right and take 30 steps in that direction”. Have at least three variations that require your child to walk and count 30 steps to find your treasure. Your treasure can be whatever you decide, just have fun with this activity!
Day 33 (Brigance Screener – can sort items by color, size, and shape)
Let your child help you sort the laundry by either letting them help with socks or even make piles of shirts. Your child cannot read tags to determine size, but they should be able to sort out which ones belong to children and which belong to adults. Perhaps you can show them the difference in sizes of Mommy and Daddy’s (or other relative) clothes and make three piles based on size!
Day 34 (Brigance Screener – can count groups of objects to six)
Take your child outside with a small container for collecting rocks. Help your child pick out six large rocks to bring back inside for counting. After washing the rocks, draw on them with a bright marker or paint the numbers one through six on them. Line them up in a row, and have your child count them by placing his/her hand on each rock as he/she counts.
Day 35 (Brigance Screener – recognizes colors)
Make a pattern using two different types of paint (alternately you can use markers). Make an AB pattern by doing blue/red, blue/red, blue/red (when discussing patterns with children always start with three iterations). Ask your child “What comes next?” and have them draw the next color themselves. After finishing this pattern use additional paint or markers and allow your child to come up with a new pattern using new colors.
Day 36 (Brigance Screener –recognizes cause and effect relationships)
Place a cup on a towel in the middle of a table or in the floor. Pour water into the cup all the way to the very top stopping just shy of overflowing the cup. Ask your child “what will happen if I pour more water into the cup?” After your child responds, pour more water into the cup and allow the contents to spill over the edge onto the towel. Ask your child “what happens if I pour too much?” When your child responds, follow up with “So, if I pour too much, I will have a mess.” This is a cause and effect relationship, it overflows because you poured past the line.
Day 37 (Brigance Screener - Knows his/her full name, birth date, age, address, telephone number, and caregivers name)
Cut a piece of paper in half that will become your child’s “photo ID” that they can use to identify themselves. Start by having your child write his/her full name across the top, help them as necessary. Write for them “My birthday is ______” Ask your child when their birthday is and fill in the blank accordingly. Write for them “I am _______ years old” “I live at ____________” “My telephone number is __________” and “My Mommy/Daddy’s name is _______”. Each time ask your child for the answers to these questions wait for the child’s response before filling in the blank. Let the child draw a picture of themselves to finish out their photo ID.
Day 38 (Brigance Screener – recites the letters of the alphabet)
Prepare an alphabet hunt for your child by placing letters of the alphabet (magnetic or written on small pieces of paper) around a room. Have your child find all 26 letters of the alphabet. Your child should say the letter and letter sound when he/she finds each one. Also, have your child count the letters as he/she finds them.
Day 39 (Brigance Screener – determine total of two sets)
Gather apples, bananas, and oranges based on the amount of people that live in your home. Lay the apples out in two groups that add up to the amount of people in your home, for example if five people live there, lay out a group of two apples and three apples. Tell your child “I found these two apples in the fruit bowl, and these three in the shelf. I want to know if there are enough for everyone to eat.” Have him/her count the two sets to determine the total, in this case, 5. Do this with the bananas and oranges but change up your two sets, instead of doing three and two try doing four and one.
Day 40 (Brigance Screener – reads uppercase or lowercase letters)
Today, you will begin work on your alphabet book which will take you nearly the rest of the month to complete. The Brigance Screener asks children to be able to identify all 26 letters of the alphabet. You will do two letters per day and create your own alphabet workbook with your child. Start off with the letters Oo and Aa. Write these letters on a piece of paper (both the uppercase and lowercase) and have your child trace them. If you have access to the internet print off at least two pictures for both letters and let your child identify what the pictures are of. Emphasize the beginning sounds and then allow your child to cut these pictures out and glue them to the paper. Find something in your house that starts with these letters. To further emphasize these letters and their sounds serve your child a snack that includes two items, one for each letter today.
Day 41 (Brigance Screener – reads uppercase or lowercase letters)
Today’s letters are Xx and Ee. Write these letters on a piece of paper (both the uppercase and lowercase) and have your child trace them. If you have access to the internet print off at least two pictures for both letters and let your child identify what the pictures are of. Emphasize the beginning sounds and then allow your child to cut these pictures out and glue them to the paper. Find something in your house that starts with these letters. To further emphasize these letters and their sounds serve your child a snack that includes two items, one for each letter today.
Day 42 (Brigance Screener – reads uppercase or lowercase letters)
Today’s letters are Bb and Ss. Write these letters on a piece of paper (both the uppercase and lowercase) and have your child trace them. If you have access to the internet print off at least two pictures for both letters and let your child identify what the pictures are of. Emphasize the beginning sounds and then allow your child to cut these pictures out and glue them to the paper. Find something in your house that starts with these letters. To further emphasize these letters and their sounds serve your child a snack that includes two items, one for each letter today.
Day 43 (Brigance Screener – reads uppercase or lowercase letters)
Today’s letters are Cc and Zz. Write these letters on a piece of paper (both the uppercase and lowercase) and have your child trace them. If you have access to the internet print off at least two pictures for both letters and let your child identify what the pictures are of. Emphasize the beginning sounds and then allow your child to cut these pictures out and glue them to the paper. Find something in your house that starts with these letters. To further emphasize these letters and their sounds serve your child a snack that includes two items, one for each letter today.
Day 44 (Brigance Screener – reads uppercase or lowercase letters)
Today’s letters will be Dd and Ll. Write these letters on a piece of paper (both the uppercase and lowercase) and have your child trace them. If you have access to the internet print off at least two pictures for both letters and let your child identify what the pictures are of. Emphasize the beginning sounds and then allow your child to cut these pictures out and glue them to the paper. Find something in your house that starts with these letters. To further emphasize these letters and their sounds serve your child a snack that includes two items, one for each letter today.
Day 45 (Brigance Screener – reads uppercase or lowercase letters)
Today’s letters will be Rr and Tt. Write these letters on a piece of paper (both the uppercase and lowercase) and have your child trace them. If you have access to the internet print off at least two pictures for both letters and let your child identify what the pictures are of. Emphasize the beginning sounds and then allow your child to cut these pictures out and glue them to the paper. Find something in your house that starts with these letters. To further emphasize these letters and their sounds serve your child a snack that includes two items, one for each letter today.
Day 46 (Brigance Screener – reads uppercase or lowercase letters)
Today’s letters will be Mm and Pp. Write these letters on a piece of paper (both the uppercase and lowercase) and have your child trace them. If you have access to the internet print off at least two pictures for both letters and let your child identify what the pictures are of. Emphasize the beginning sounds and then allow your child to cut these pictures out and glue them to the paper. Find something in your house that starts with these letters. To further emphasize these letters and their sounds serve your child a snack that includes two items, one for each letter today.
Day 47 (Brigance Screener – reads uppercase or lowercase letters)
Today’s letters will be Ww and Kk. Write these letters on a piece of paper (both the uppercase and lowercase) and have your child trace them. If you have access to the internet print off at least two pictures for both letters and let your child identify what the pictures are of. Emphasize the beginning sounds and then allow your child to cut these pictures out and glue them to the paper. Find something in your house that starts with these letters. To further emphasize these letters and their sounds serve your child a snack that includes two items, one for each letter today.
Day 48 (Brigance Screener – reads uppercase or lowercase letters)
Today’s letters will be Ff and Nn. Write these letters on a piece of paper (both the uppercase and lowercase) and have your child trace them. If you have access to the internet print off at least two pictures for both letters and let your child identify what the pictures are of. Emphasize the beginning sounds and then allow your child to cut these pictures out and glue them to the paper. Find something in your house that starts with these letters. To further emphasize these letters and their sounds serve your child a snack that includes two items, one for each letter today.
Day 49 (Brigance Screener – reads uppercase or lowercase letters)
Today’s letters will be Hh and Ii. Write these letters on a piece of paper (both the uppercase and lowercase) and have your child trace them. If you have access to the internet print off at least two pictures for both letters and let your child identify what the pictures are of. Emphasize the beginning sounds and then allow your child to cut these pictures out and glue them to the paper. Find something in your house that starts with these letters. To further emphasize these letters and their sounds serve your child a snack that includes two items, one for each letter today.
Day 50 (Brigance Screener – reads uppercase or lowercase letters)
Today’s letters will be Yy and Gg. Write these letters on a piece of paper (both the uppercase and lowercase) and have your child trace them. If you have access to the internet print off at least two pictures for both letters and let your child identify what the pictures are of. Emphasize the beginning sounds and then allow your child to cut these pictures out and glue them to the paper. Find something in your house that starts with these letters. To further emphasize these letters and their sounds serve your child a snack that includes two items, one for each letter today.
Day 51 (Brigance Screener – reads uppercase and lowercase letters)
Today’s letters will be Uu and Vv. Write these letters on a piece of paper (both the uppercase and lowercase) and have your child trace them. If you have access to the internet print off at least two pictures for both letters and let your child identify what the pictures are of. Emphasize the beginning sounds and then allow your child to cut these pictures out and glue them to the paper. Find something in your house that starts with these letters. To further emphasize these letters and their sounds serve your child a snack that includes two items, one for each letter today.
Day 52 (Brigance Screener – reads uppercase and lowercase letters)
Today’s letters will be Jj and Qq. Write these letters on a piece of paper (both the uppercase and lowercase) and have your child trace them. If you have access to the internet print off at least two pictures for both letters and let your child identify what the pictures are of. Emphasize the beginning sounds and then allow your child to cut these pictures out and glue them to the paper. Find something in your house that starts with these letters. To further emphasize these letters and their sounds serve your child a snack that includes two items, one for each letter today.
Day 53 (Brigance Screener – reads uppercase and lowercase letters)
Now that you have finished your alphabet workbook, turn to each page and ask your child to tell you the letters. Since we have put these into the work out of sequential order, your child will have to identify these without using rote memorization (A..B..C..D..etc). Go through the book and skip pages to make sure that your child can recognize the letters.
Day 54 (Brigance Screener – stands on one foot for ten seconds)
Tell your child “Stand on your right foot” and count while your child stands on his/her right foot, counting to ten. Do the same for the left foot, counting to ten again. After your child can do this with his/her eyes open, change it up by having your child try this with his/her eyes shut!
Write the child’s first name in large, clear print on the top of a piece of paper, allow child to copy. Next, turn the paper over and write the child’s last name in large, clear print on the top of the paper and allow child to copy. After child is proficient with each, write both the first and last name together and allow child to copy. Make sure that you capitalize both the first and last names and that lowercase letters are used for all other letters.
Day 2 (Brigance Screener – Knows the front and back of the book)
Get your child’s favorite book to read to him/her, but ask several questions before reading. First of all ask your child which side is the front of the book, then ask which is the back of the book. Explain to your child what a “title” is and what the “author” and “illustrator” do.
Day 3 (Brigance Screener – Understands that text progresses from left to right)
Read a book to your child, and as you read follow along with your finger tracing an imaginary line under each word that you are reading. When you have finished reading, open the book to the first page and point to a word, asking the child which word should be read next. Even though your child may not recognize the word he/she should be able to tell you that the word on the right comes next.
Day 4 (Brigance Screener – Understands that text progresses from top to bottom)
Read another book to your child, again following along with your finger tracing an imaginary line under each word that you are reading. When you have finished, open to any page in the book and ask the child where you should begin reading. The child should point to the first word on the top of the page.
Day 5 (Brigance Screener – Recites the alphabet: a-z)
Sing the alphabet song, which your child should be very familiar with by now. After singing the alphabet song, lay out a sheet containing all 26 letters and practice saying the letters while pointing to each one. This will help your child both recognize the letters and slow down to recitation instead of singing.
Day 6 (Brigance Screener – Counts by rote to 30)
Tell your child “count as high as you can for me.” Keep a mental note of how high the child counts, and which numbers he/she leaves out. Practice with your child and master this skill in increments of 10, for example make sure that your child can count to 10 before moving onto numbers any higher. You can practice this skill over several days.
Day 7 (Brigance Screener – Can sort items by color, size, and shape)
This skill will give your child the ability to later make patterns and understand grouping. Gather several items, such as socks, and group them into three groups containing at least three items (you will need 9 items at a minimum). For example, you may have three black socks, three white socks, and three brown socks and have these as your groups. Ask your child “why are these socks grouped together?” Now, change your groups by size, perhaps you have a baby size, a child size, and an adult size group. Again, have your child analyze the groups and discuss why the socks are in each group. Finally, create a group of different types of socks such as ankle socks, tube socks and dress socks. Ask the child questions about each group and have him/her analyze the similarities in your groups.
Day 8 (Brigance Screener – Draws an X, squares, circles, triangles, rectangles, and diamonds)
Ask your child to draw each of the following shapes: X, square, circle, triangle, rectangle and diamond. Make sure you ask the child to draw each shape one at a time to give the child time to produce the drawing. If you notice the child struggling, provide him/her with a sample that you draw. If one shape proves to be particularly challenging, allow your child to trace your sample several times.
Day 9 (Brigance Screener – Can count a group of objects to six, and be able to match objects to numerals)
Lay out six blocks on the table and ask your child to count them, moving his/her finger from one object to the next as they count. If your child needs help with this task, count out loud, and take your child’s finger, moving it along the items as you count. After your child has mastered this skill, lay out six sheets of paper that have the numbers one through six written at the top. Ask your child, please put three blocks on the paper that has the number three written on it. If your child needs help, show him/her how to complete the task by putting three blocks on the paper with the number three. Practice this several times and allow your child to explore putting the blocks on each paper with the matching number.
Day 10 (Brigance Screener – Recognizes five colors)
Get out the markers and draw large circles on a piece of paper using red, blue, yellow, green, and purple. Ask your child to identify each color as you point to the circle. Have your child think of something that is each color and allow him/her to draw these items using the marker of the color identified. If they say “cherry” for red, give them the red marker and allow them to draw a cherry.
Day 11 (Brigance Screener – Determine total of two sets)
To help your child understand some concrete, pre-Math skills, lay out 10 blocks on the table and begin to set up simple math problems. You will want to make two simple groups and ask your child to determine the total which will help them develop early addition skills. For example, lay out a group of two blocks together and a group of three blocks together. Say to your child “If I have two blocks and you give me three blocks, how many do I have now?” Count with your child the first several times, showing them how to count to determine a total.
Day 12 (Brigance Screener – Observes, describes, and discusses living things and natural processes)
Go outside into your yard and look for birds and/or bird nests in nearby trees. Ask your child, “Why do birds have feathers and we have hair?” Ask your child “Why do birds build their nests high up in trees?” Discuss other things such as why birds do not live in houses like humans, and how birds get their food. These discussions will allow your child to use critical thinking skills to understand natural processes.
Day 13 (Brigance Screener – Observes and discuss common properties, differences, and comparisons among objects)
Lay a heavy mixing bowl and light plastic bowl, of a different size and color, on your table and have a discussion with your child about the similarities and differences in the bowls. Help your child understand the similarities by asking “What do these two things have that are the same?” Your child may say things like “they are both bowls” or “they are both round”, praise your child’s effort. Then ask “How are these two things different?” If your child needs help noticing differences, ask them “Is one heavier than the other?” You can also ask “Are they the same color?” or “Is one larger than the other?”
Day 14 (Brigance Screener – Participates in simple investigations to form hypothesis, gather observations, draw conclusions and form generalizations)
To prepare for today’s activities, place a large bowl of water on your table and prepare six objects of different sizes and weights to drop in. Write the name of each object on the paper and before dropping each object into the water, ask your child “Do you think this will sink or float?” You may have to show your child on the first object what sinking and floating looks like. After you drop the object in, ask your child “Why did this sink?” or “Why did this float?” Help your child to understand that weight is the property that generally determines if an object sinks or floats. Allowing your child to guess before each item will help them to practice scientific inquiry skills.
Day 15 (Brigance Screener – Participates in music activities such as listening, singing or performing)
Play your child’s favorite song and allow them to dance and sing along. Have fun with your child, and if they are not dancing, get up and dance yourself, inviting your child to join along. Alternatively, you can also give your child a hairbrush and let them use it as a microphone while they give you a private concert right in your own home!
Day 16 (Brigance Screener – Creates artistic works that reflect thoughts, feelings, experiences, or knowledge)
Give your child art supplies such as crayons and blank pieces of paper, then without much prompting ask your child to draw a “happy” picture. After your child has drawn a “happy” picture, ask them what they put into their happy picture and what makes them happy. Alternatively, try this another day but ask the child to draw you a “sad” picture or an “angry” picture. It is important that children understand their emotions so that they can regulate them.
Day 17 (Brigance Screener – Uses creative movement to express concepts ideas, or feelings)
Play some music for your child and ask him/her to show you a “happy” dance. Ask them why they chose the moves that they are using for their “happy” dance. Get up and join your child showing them what your “happy” dance looks like. Alternatively, try this with other emotions such as a “sad” dance and an “angry” dance.
Day 18 (Brigance Screener – Shares or waits his/her turn)
Play a simple game with your child by setting up two buckets across the room from each other and giving your child several rolled up socks. The object of the game is simply to stand by one bucket and throw your socks into the bucket across the room. The game will alternate between you and your child, each throwing one sock at a time. This will help your child to practice taking turns instead of taking every turn during the game.
Day 19 (Brigance Screener – Knows his/her full name)
Ask your child, “What is your first name?” Next, ask your child “What is your last name?” Place a piece of paper in front of your child that has their full name printed on it. Point to the child’s first name and ask “Is this your first name or last name?” Do this with the last name, then let your child practice writing both the first and last name.
Day 20 (Brigance Screener – Knows his/her birth date)
Ask your child “When is your birthday?” If the child does not give you the correct date, provide them with the date and let them practice repeating it several times. Next, give them a piece of paper where they can draw a “birthday cake” that has their favorite character or design on it. As they are drawing, talk to their child about their birthday, the date, the month, the weather, and even about events from the day they were born.
Day 21 (Brigance Screener – Knows his/her age)
Ask your child “How old are you?” If they tell you ask them to show you on their fingers how old they are. Lay out a piece of paper that has the child’s age printed on it in very large print. Give the child some play-doh and allow him/her to form the number, by rolling the play-doh into long strips and molding it around the printed number.
Day 22 (Brigance Screener – Knows his/her address)
Ask your child “What is your address?” Explain to your child that an address is where you live and that it is important to know their address in case of emergency because emergency responders may need the address. After you have practiced reciting your address, allow your child to draw a map from their house to school. Talk to them about landmarks such as sharp curves, hills, etc. that they may want to include in their drawing.
Day 23 (Brigance Screener – Knows his/her telephone number)
Lay either a toy phone or a piece of paper with a drawing of a phone in front of your child. Tell them to dial your phone number (either your cell number or your land line). If they do not know the number, dial it for them pushing the buttons slowly and reciting each number as you press it. Have your child do this several times to help them memorize the number and see how dialing a phone works.
Day 24 (Brigance Screener – Knows his/her mother/father or caregivers name)
Ask your child, “What is Mommy’s (or alternate) name?” or “What is Daddy’s (or alternate) name?” If the child responds by saying “Mommy” or “Daddy”, try asking “What does Mommy call Daddy?” If your child still does not respond tell them your first name. Ask your child to repeat back to you what the first names of their caregivers are.
Day 25 (Brigance Screener – Runs and jumps)
Set up a small obstacle course either inside or outside depending on your space. Have things like a cup or other small objects on the course that your child can “jump” over. Use large boxes to create a space for them to crawl through. Have fun and make the obstacle course as easy/difficult as appropriate for your child’s abilities.
Day 26 (Brigance Screener – Cuts with scissors)
Draw a large square on a piece of paper and have your child cut this out using a pair of child friendly scissors. Next, move on to drawing a diamond and allow your child to cut this out. Watch for the form of your child’s hand around the scissors and model the correct way to hold and manipulate scissors if necessary. After your child cuts around these objects successfully, increase the difficulty of the object by drawing rounded shapes such as circles and ovals.
Day 27 (Brigance Screener –Walks backwards…toe to heel four steps)
Show your child how to walk backward by walking a straight line down the middle of your floor. If you wish to have a line to guide your steps, lay out pieces of paper or a long measuring stick. After you try, encourage your child and praise their effort. If they fall, encourage them to get up and try again. Increase difficulty by asking them to move several steps backward at a time.
Day 28 (Brigance Screener – recognizes five colors)
Buy some Jell-O from the local supermarket and set up a color mixing experiment with your child. Buy red Jell-O, yellow Jell-O, blue Jell-O and green Jell-O. As you mix up the individual packs, ask your child to identify the color of each pack. Next, use a measuring cup to dip a cup of both the red Jell-O and the blue Jell-O and mix them together into one small bowl. Ask your child what color he/she thinks this will produce. Also, mix a cup of the yellow Jell-O with a cup of the red Jell-O and ask your child what color he/she thinks this will produce. When the Jell-O hardens show them the purple and orange Jell-O that was produced by mixing colors.
Day 29 (Brigance Screener – knows his/her mother/father or caregivers name)
Get out some family photos and ask your child “Where is _____?” using your first name instead of calling yourself “Mommy” or “Daddy”. Do this with other family members by using their name instead of “Sissy”, “Bubby”, “Grandma”, “Papaw”, etc.
Day 30 (Brigance Screener – draws an X, square, circles, triangles, rectangles, and diamonds)
Put shaving cream on a tray and smooth it into a “writing” board for your child. Draw an “X” and ask your child to imitate your drawing below yours. If he/she cannot do it, ask them to trace the one that you made. After the child has mastered the “X”, wipe away their work and move on to the square. Follow this procedure until you have covered X, square, circle, triangle, rectangle, and diamond.
Day 31 (Brigance Screener – can tell a story or share an experience)
Have your child think back to his/her last birthday party and about the events of that party. Ask your child questions such as, “What did you get?” and “Who came to your party?” “What was the theme/who was on your cake?” After your child shares this experience, let him/her draw a picture of their birthday party.
Day 32 (Brigance Screener – can count by rote to 30)
Create a “scavenger hunt” for your child by creating a map that has directions and a “treasure” at the end of the map. Make your map and directions specific by saying “take 30 steps forward, then turn right and take 30 steps in that direction”. Have at least three variations that require your child to walk and count 30 steps to find your treasure. Your treasure can be whatever you decide, just have fun with this activity!
Day 33 (Brigance Screener – can sort items by color, size, and shape)
Let your child help you sort the laundry by either letting them help with socks or even make piles of shirts. Your child cannot read tags to determine size, but they should be able to sort out which ones belong to children and which belong to adults. Perhaps you can show them the difference in sizes of Mommy and Daddy’s (or other relative) clothes and make three piles based on size!
Day 34 (Brigance Screener – can count groups of objects to six)
Take your child outside with a small container for collecting rocks. Help your child pick out six large rocks to bring back inside for counting. After washing the rocks, draw on them with a bright marker or paint the numbers one through six on them. Line them up in a row, and have your child count them by placing his/her hand on each rock as he/she counts.
Day 35 (Brigance Screener – recognizes colors)
Make a pattern using two different types of paint (alternately you can use markers). Make an AB pattern by doing blue/red, blue/red, blue/red (when discussing patterns with children always start with three iterations). Ask your child “What comes next?” and have them draw the next color themselves. After finishing this pattern use additional paint or markers and allow your child to come up with a new pattern using new colors.
Day 36 (Brigance Screener –recognizes cause and effect relationships)
Place a cup on a towel in the middle of a table or in the floor. Pour water into the cup all the way to the very top stopping just shy of overflowing the cup. Ask your child “what will happen if I pour more water into the cup?” After your child responds, pour more water into the cup and allow the contents to spill over the edge onto the towel. Ask your child “what happens if I pour too much?” When your child responds, follow up with “So, if I pour too much, I will have a mess.” This is a cause and effect relationship, it overflows because you poured past the line.
Day 37 (Brigance Screener - Knows his/her full name, birth date, age, address, telephone number, and caregivers name)
Cut a piece of paper in half that will become your child’s “photo ID” that they can use to identify themselves. Start by having your child write his/her full name across the top, help them as necessary. Write for them “My birthday is ______” Ask your child when their birthday is and fill in the blank accordingly. Write for them “I am _______ years old” “I live at ____________” “My telephone number is __________” and “My Mommy/Daddy’s name is _______”. Each time ask your child for the answers to these questions wait for the child’s response before filling in the blank. Let the child draw a picture of themselves to finish out their photo ID.
Day 38 (Brigance Screener – recites the letters of the alphabet)
Prepare an alphabet hunt for your child by placing letters of the alphabet (magnetic or written on small pieces of paper) around a room. Have your child find all 26 letters of the alphabet. Your child should say the letter and letter sound when he/she finds each one. Also, have your child count the letters as he/she finds them.
Day 39 (Brigance Screener – determine total of two sets)
Gather apples, bananas, and oranges based on the amount of people that live in your home. Lay the apples out in two groups that add up to the amount of people in your home, for example if five people live there, lay out a group of two apples and three apples. Tell your child “I found these two apples in the fruit bowl, and these three in the shelf. I want to know if there are enough for everyone to eat.” Have him/her count the two sets to determine the total, in this case, 5. Do this with the bananas and oranges but change up your two sets, instead of doing three and two try doing four and one.
Day 40 (Brigance Screener – reads uppercase or lowercase letters)
Today, you will begin work on your alphabet book which will take you nearly the rest of the month to complete. The Brigance Screener asks children to be able to identify all 26 letters of the alphabet. You will do two letters per day and create your own alphabet workbook with your child. Start off with the letters Oo and Aa. Write these letters on a piece of paper (both the uppercase and lowercase) and have your child trace them. If you have access to the internet print off at least two pictures for both letters and let your child identify what the pictures are of. Emphasize the beginning sounds and then allow your child to cut these pictures out and glue them to the paper. Find something in your house that starts with these letters. To further emphasize these letters and their sounds serve your child a snack that includes two items, one for each letter today.
Day 41 (Brigance Screener – reads uppercase or lowercase letters)
Today’s letters are Xx and Ee. Write these letters on a piece of paper (both the uppercase and lowercase) and have your child trace them. If you have access to the internet print off at least two pictures for both letters and let your child identify what the pictures are of. Emphasize the beginning sounds and then allow your child to cut these pictures out and glue them to the paper. Find something in your house that starts with these letters. To further emphasize these letters and their sounds serve your child a snack that includes two items, one for each letter today.
Day 42 (Brigance Screener – reads uppercase or lowercase letters)
Today’s letters are Bb and Ss. Write these letters on a piece of paper (both the uppercase and lowercase) and have your child trace them. If you have access to the internet print off at least two pictures for both letters and let your child identify what the pictures are of. Emphasize the beginning sounds and then allow your child to cut these pictures out and glue them to the paper. Find something in your house that starts with these letters. To further emphasize these letters and their sounds serve your child a snack that includes two items, one for each letter today.
Day 43 (Brigance Screener – reads uppercase or lowercase letters)
Today’s letters are Cc and Zz. Write these letters on a piece of paper (both the uppercase and lowercase) and have your child trace them. If you have access to the internet print off at least two pictures for both letters and let your child identify what the pictures are of. Emphasize the beginning sounds and then allow your child to cut these pictures out and glue them to the paper. Find something in your house that starts with these letters. To further emphasize these letters and their sounds serve your child a snack that includes two items, one for each letter today.
Day 44 (Brigance Screener – reads uppercase or lowercase letters)
Today’s letters will be Dd and Ll. Write these letters on a piece of paper (both the uppercase and lowercase) and have your child trace them. If you have access to the internet print off at least two pictures for both letters and let your child identify what the pictures are of. Emphasize the beginning sounds and then allow your child to cut these pictures out and glue them to the paper. Find something in your house that starts with these letters. To further emphasize these letters and their sounds serve your child a snack that includes two items, one for each letter today.
Day 45 (Brigance Screener – reads uppercase or lowercase letters)
Today’s letters will be Rr and Tt. Write these letters on a piece of paper (both the uppercase and lowercase) and have your child trace them. If you have access to the internet print off at least two pictures for both letters and let your child identify what the pictures are of. Emphasize the beginning sounds and then allow your child to cut these pictures out and glue them to the paper. Find something in your house that starts with these letters. To further emphasize these letters and their sounds serve your child a snack that includes two items, one for each letter today.
Day 46 (Brigance Screener – reads uppercase or lowercase letters)
Today’s letters will be Mm and Pp. Write these letters on a piece of paper (both the uppercase and lowercase) and have your child trace them. If you have access to the internet print off at least two pictures for both letters and let your child identify what the pictures are of. Emphasize the beginning sounds and then allow your child to cut these pictures out and glue them to the paper. Find something in your house that starts with these letters. To further emphasize these letters and their sounds serve your child a snack that includes two items, one for each letter today.
Day 47 (Brigance Screener – reads uppercase or lowercase letters)
Today’s letters will be Ww and Kk. Write these letters on a piece of paper (both the uppercase and lowercase) and have your child trace them. If you have access to the internet print off at least two pictures for both letters and let your child identify what the pictures are of. Emphasize the beginning sounds and then allow your child to cut these pictures out and glue them to the paper. Find something in your house that starts with these letters. To further emphasize these letters and their sounds serve your child a snack that includes two items, one for each letter today.
Day 48 (Brigance Screener – reads uppercase or lowercase letters)
Today’s letters will be Ff and Nn. Write these letters on a piece of paper (both the uppercase and lowercase) and have your child trace them. If you have access to the internet print off at least two pictures for both letters and let your child identify what the pictures are of. Emphasize the beginning sounds and then allow your child to cut these pictures out and glue them to the paper. Find something in your house that starts with these letters. To further emphasize these letters and their sounds serve your child a snack that includes two items, one for each letter today.
Day 49 (Brigance Screener – reads uppercase or lowercase letters)
Today’s letters will be Hh and Ii. Write these letters on a piece of paper (both the uppercase and lowercase) and have your child trace them. If you have access to the internet print off at least two pictures for both letters and let your child identify what the pictures are of. Emphasize the beginning sounds and then allow your child to cut these pictures out and glue them to the paper. Find something in your house that starts with these letters. To further emphasize these letters and their sounds serve your child a snack that includes two items, one for each letter today.
Day 50 (Brigance Screener – reads uppercase or lowercase letters)
Today’s letters will be Yy and Gg. Write these letters on a piece of paper (both the uppercase and lowercase) and have your child trace them. If you have access to the internet print off at least two pictures for both letters and let your child identify what the pictures are of. Emphasize the beginning sounds and then allow your child to cut these pictures out and glue them to the paper. Find something in your house that starts with these letters. To further emphasize these letters and their sounds serve your child a snack that includes two items, one for each letter today.
Day 51 (Brigance Screener – reads uppercase and lowercase letters)
Today’s letters will be Uu and Vv. Write these letters on a piece of paper (both the uppercase and lowercase) and have your child trace them. If you have access to the internet print off at least two pictures for both letters and let your child identify what the pictures are of. Emphasize the beginning sounds and then allow your child to cut these pictures out and glue them to the paper. Find something in your house that starts with these letters. To further emphasize these letters and their sounds serve your child a snack that includes two items, one for each letter today.
Day 52 (Brigance Screener – reads uppercase and lowercase letters)
Today’s letters will be Jj and Qq. Write these letters on a piece of paper (both the uppercase and lowercase) and have your child trace them. If you have access to the internet print off at least two pictures for both letters and let your child identify what the pictures are of. Emphasize the beginning sounds and then allow your child to cut these pictures out and glue them to the paper. Find something in your house that starts with these letters. To further emphasize these letters and their sounds serve your child a snack that includes two items, one for each letter today.
Day 53 (Brigance Screener – reads uppercase and lowercase letters)
Now that you have finished your alphabet workbook, turn to each page and ask your child to tell you the letters. Since we have put these into the work out of sequential order, your child will have to identify these without using rote memorization (A..B..C..D..etc). Go through the book and skip pages to make sure that your child can recognize the letters.
Day 54 (Brigance Screener – stands on one foot for ten seconds)
Tell your child “Stand on your right foot” and count while your child stands on his/her right foot, counting to ten. Do the same for the left foot, counting to ten again. After your child can do this with his/her eyes open, change it up by having your child try this with his/her eyes shut!