Getting Ready for Kindergarten

A group of students sitting on the floor in a classroom reading.

Idea Exchange can help your kids start kindergarten with a smile.

At this time of year, schools are hosting their Welcome to Kindergarten information nights around Cambridge. You may find Idea Exchange staff there sharing how we can help you prepare your child for kindergarten.

Kindergarten Bootcamp

We have free programs designed for young students to attend independently, such as our Kindergarten Bootcamp, available at all locations this summer.

Registration is not required for these programs. You can join in at any time. The program focuses on developing some of the skills needed for kindergarten, such as writing practice, cutting, taking turns, letter and number knowledge, and more.

Caregivers are welcome at the beginning and end of the program. This gives your young student the chance to develop independent social skills.

Special Collections for Starting School

Make sure to get your kindergarten-bound kids signed up for their own Idea Exchange membership card. This will allow them to borrow special collections made especially for them.

Read the Rainbow literacy kits make the road to reading fun for kids and simple for caregivers. Books are classified and collected with a variety of other literacy resources at six levels. From phonics at Red level to novel-length read-alongs at Violet level, you’ll love reading the rainbow.

We also have Wonderbooks which play the audio story while children read along. Meanwhile, Launchpads are mini tablets for young learners, filled with literacy games to borrow, with no Wi-Fi required.

1000 Books Before Kindergarten

If you have someone that has a way to go before starting kindergarten, 1000 Books Before Kindergarten can get them started right from birth.

Read any book to your newborn, infant, toddler, or preschooler. The goal is to read 1,000 together books before they start kindergarten.

There are even cool prizes to be earned along the way. Ask for a poster at any Idea Exchange location to get started.

Start your journey now by checking out a picture book about starting school.