Ready, Set, Learn and Grow is a new program offered to families with children who will be entering kindergarten.

The program is organized by Kalispell Public Schools instructional coaches to teach kindergarten readiness skills and equip parents with knowledge about childhood development and activities to prepare their children for school.

“We’re trying to level the playing field for all children when they enter kindergarten,” Russell Elementary Instructional Coach Betty Darr said.

Darr and other staffers handed out information about the new program to parents during the district’s kindergarten enrollment event Wednesday at Linderman Education Center.

“We’re determining interest in a program to support parents as their students transition into kindergarten,” Darr said. “Children are ready to learn at all ages and the more enriching the environment [at home] the better experience they’ll have at school.”

Darr said Ready, Set, Learn and Grow aims to address the intimidation parents might feel in teaching their young children or for parents who feel at a loss about what to do to provide an enriching environment.

“Parents are the best and first teachers. Sometimes they don’t know what to do or what’s within their grasp to be an educator for the child and leave it to the teacher,” Darr said. “Their influence is crucial.”

An enriching environment at home sets them up for success in their first year of school, making it easier to close any learning gaps.

Reading and educational games are one way to enrich a child’s learning. 

This can come in the form of daily activities from sorting laundry and learning to classify items into groups  — or setting a table and counting how many forks are needed for the family, Darr used as examples. 

A child can learn to write his or her name in fun, sensory ways besides pencil and paper by using sand or salt.

These are some ideas that parents will learn at program events.

“Fun is learning and learning is fun,” Darr said.

Once the instructional coaches determine the interest, the goal is to apply for grants to purchase books and materials to give to families.

Families interested in attending a night of learning, fun and food can attend a Ready, Set, Learn and Grow kickoff event on June 2 at 5:30 p.m. at Hedges Elementary School. A light dinner will be served followed by an hour of activities focused on kindergarten readiness skills that parents can continue at home in preparation for their child’s first year of school.

“Families will be able to go through a series of short stations and do activities they can follow at home,” Darr said. “We know the beginning is always the most important part of any endeavor.”

The event is free and open to district families with children who will enter kindergarten. Staffers request that parents or guardians sign up so they know how much food to purchase. To participate, contact an elementary school instructional coach or visit www.facebook.com/readysetlearnandgrow.

Reporter Hilary Matheson may be reached at 758-4431 or by email at [email protected].