Countdown to Kindergarten – First Day of School Books Read Aloud for Kids

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In the “Countdown to Kindergarten” lesson, a child shares their excitement and worries about starting kindergarten in just 10 days, particularly about the rules they need to follow, such as tying their shoes independently. Through humorous anecdotes and attempts to learn, the child realizes that many of their peers also need help with shoe-tying, making them feel less alone. The lesson concludes with a positive outlook on the fun activities planned for the first week of kindergarten, emphasizing the joy of learning and making new friends.
  1. What is one rule we need to remember for kindergarten?
  2. Can you count backwards from 10 with me?
  3. What is something new you want to learn in kindergarten?

Countdown to Kindergarten

Getting Ready for Kindergarten

Hi there! Guess what? I’m getting ready to start kindergarten in just 10 days! I’m a little worried because I heard there are some rules I need to follow.

Some Silly Rules

Here’s what I heard:

  • Rule number three: You can’t bring your stuffed animals.
  • Rule number two: You can’t bring your cat.
  • Rule number one: You have to tie your shoes all by yourself!

But guess what? It’s okay if you need help with your shoes. The answer rhymes with “volts” (it’s “false”)!

Counting Down the Days

Do you know what I can do? I can count backwards from 10! Let’s do it together: 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1!

But tying my shoes? That’s a bit tricky for me.

Trying to Learn

Every day, I try something new to learn how to tie my shoes. My dad showed me a fun way with “bunny ears.” We make loops and cross them over. It’s like magic!

Funny Adventures

One day, I thought maybe my shoes could be a bowl for my cat’s food. Oops! Shoes are for feet, not for food!

Another day, I pretended my shoes were little boats. But remember, shoes are not canoes!

Almost There!

With just a few days left, my parents took me out for spaghetti to celebrate. I was still worried about tying my shoes, but they said it just takes time.

The Big Day

Finally, it’s the first day of kindergarten! I saw lots of kids with bows on their shoes. Guess what? Many of them had help from their parents too!

And you know what? Only a few kids could tie their shoes all by themselves. I wasn’t the only one learning!

Exciting Kindergarten Days

Here’s what we have to look forward to:

  • Monday: A teacher will help us learn to tie shoes.
  • Tuesday: We can bring our stuffed animals!
  • Wednesday: We’ll count backwards from 10 together.

Kindergarten is going to be so much fun, and I can’t wait to learn and play with my new friends!

The End
  • What are some things you are excited or worried about when starting something new, like kindergarten? Can you think of a time when you felt the same way?
  • Have you ever tried to learn something that seemed tricky at first, like tying your shoes? How did you feel when you finally learned it?
  • If you could make up a fun rule for your classroom, what would it be and why? How do you think it would make school more fun for everyone?
  1. Shoe Tying Practice: Let’s practice tying shoes using the “bunny ears” method. Ask a grown-up to help you find a pair of shoes with laces. Try making two loops like bunny ears and cross them over to tie your shoes. Can you do it by yourself? Keep practicing, and remember, it’s okay to ask for help!

  2. Counting Backwards Game: Let’s play a fun game to practice counting backwards from 10. Gather some small toys or blocks. Start with 10 toys and remove one each time you count down. Can you count all the way to 1? Try doing it faster each time!

  3. Stuffed Animal Day: Imagine it’s Tuesday, and you can bring your favorite stuffed animal to kindergarten. Draw a picture of your stuffed animal and write its name. Share your drawing with a friend or family member and tell them why it’s your favorite. How would your stuffed animal help you feel brave on your first day?

Here’s a sanitized version of the provided YouTube transcript:

**Countdown to Kindergarten**
By Alison McGee
Pictures by Harry Bliss

[Music]

I am in big trouble. I’m going to kindergarten in 10 days. I’ve heard from a first grader that they have a lot of rules there.

**Rule number three:** Not allowed to bring any stuffed animals.
**Rule number two:** You’re not allowed to bring your cat.
**Rule number one:** You have to know how to tie your shoes by yourself. You’re not allowed to ask for help ever.

True or false? Others can help you tie your shoes. Clue: Answer rhymes with “volts.”

Anyone want to know what I can do? Count backwards from 10!
10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1.
Want to know what I can’t do? Tie my shoes.

Nine days before kindergarten… this isn’t getting any easier. Later, I know I’ll hide my shoes. Mom finds everything. Look here, the missing shoes!

[Music]

Eight days before kindergarten… yuck, even the rain puddle is out to get me. I know I’ll pull the laces out. Imagine what could happen if I left them in.

It’s all our fault, Doctor. We made her wear those awful shoelaces. We should have listened to her. I know I’ll throw them out.

Your mother found these shoelaces in the trash. Don’t they belong in your shoes? I guess.

[Music]

Seven days before kindergarten… Dad says a lot of five-year-olds don’t know how to tie. I guess he hasn’t heard kindergarten rule number one: You can’t ask us for help ever. Dad practices with me: Bunny ears, bunny ears, cross through. Look at his knot, just the way he showed me.

[Music]

Six days before kindergarten… What should I try now? Poor buddy, you look so hungry. Here’s your lunch. Later that day: Repeat after me: Bowls are for cat food, shoes are for your feet.

[Music]

Five days before kindergarten… Mom says a lot of five-year-olds don’t know how to tie. I guess she doesn’t know about rule number one either. Once again, you can’t ask us for help ever.

I wonder if you can show up at kindergarten wearing your baby shoes. I’m sorry, baby shoe wearers have to take rest time in the sub-basement. Good luck!

Okay, back to my bedroom for more practice: Loop, pull around, poke, and pull.

Meow.

Four days before kindergarten… How will I ever do it? Poor Mr. Ducky is so sad; he still doesn’t know how to tie either. Maybe a ride in a canoe would cheer him up. Careful, Mr. Ducky! Don’t you know you should never stand up in a canoe?

Repeat after me: Shoes are not canoes.

Three days before kindergarten… Loop, pull around, poke, and pull. That is so nice; he even bought me new laces. That should help!

[Music]

Snack time for buddy: Lace surprises, syrup, ketchup, toothpaste. Later that day: I know, I know. Repeat after me: Shoelaces are not food.

Two days before kindergarten… My parents are taking me out for my favorite dinner, spaghetti, to celebrate the start of school. I don’t see anything to celebrate.

How’s your bowl of shoelaces? I mean, spaghetti. Dad says, “Don’t worry, sweetie. It just takes time.” But kindergarten starts in two days! What if I have to wear a sign that says “Velcro Girl”?

One day before kindergarten… What if they don’t let me have playground time and no one gets to see me jump rope? Counting backwards from ten… What if they don’t let me have snack time or I miss the last bell and get locked in school all night without you, buddy?

And I miss my dinner, my dessert, my bedtime story, and my goodnight kiss. I’m doomed.

Meow. You’ll be all right.

First day of kindergarten… Look at all those feet, all those bows. Later that morning: Really? Your dad tied your shoes for you? Me too!

You guys can’t tie your shoes either? You only know three kindergartners who can tie their shoes? Three, two, one… that’s all! I thought I was the only one.

[Music]

Monday: Shoe tying teacher can help.
Tuesday: Stuffed animal day.
Wednesday: Counting backwards from 10.

I guess I’m not in such big trouble after all.

[Music]

The end.

[Music]
[Applause]
[Music]

This version removes any inappropriate or confusing elements while maintaining the essence of the original transcript.

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