Kids are provided breakfast at the beginning of class time to ensure that no one has to learn on an empty stomach. Pictured from left are Isaiah Kasson and Asher Rodes. (Photo by Elisa Walker)

SYRACUSE — The Kindergarten Countdown began June 5, and is a free program at the Syracuse Elementary school for incoming kindergartners who haven’t attended preschool. The program’s special function is to introduce kids to the school structure and atmosphere, acting as a few weeks-long orientation to the academic environment.

“This just gives them a chance to see what a school looks like, how we do things here and helps them be prepared for the beginning of the year,” explained Principal Eric Speicher. “A lot of it is just beginning kindergarten stuff like learning letters, identifying letters and learning sounds. They’re even learning how to walk in a line, how to come down and get their lunch. Just the basic everyday school things that take a little while to learn. If we can get these things out of the way now, then we can get more focused on academics.”

Kindergarten is an especially important time for kids to learn to socialize with each other, know the importance of sharing, how to listen to others and how to speak properly to others. These experiences are imperative for kids as they spent the first five years of their life generally surrounded by family members. When entering school for the first time, they experience a new world with new people.

“If they (parents) can’t get them in a preschool, they need to make sure they ask about this program,” advised Speicher. “Take some time to read with your students, take them to the library and expose them to other kids so they know that they have to share and take turns. Those are big kindergarten skills that we spend a lot of time working with kids on.”

The program provides breakfast and a snack time during the four hours that the kids attend school from 8 a.m. to noon until June 27. They get the whole new experience with riding the bus to and from school, playing at recess and growing confidence in communicating with others. Some have already made buddies in their classrooms. The program includes North Webster and Milford kids alongside Syracuse kids. This helps build on a sense of community before even starting school.

Building friendships creates a more enriching learning experience. While kids get to learn academically, they can also become knowledgeable on how to create healthy relationships with each other. Pictured from left are Bentley Picken and Exiquio Hernandez Para. (Photo by Elisa Walker)

Along with socializing and learning the basics the program makes the transition into school smoother. Kids can feel much more confident when counting and comfortable in a classroom setting rather than nervous or shy. By the time August approaches, they can casually slip back into learning and growing their foundation for education.

“Each kid is unique and each one comes with their own set of abilities and challenges,” commented Speicher. “The big thing in kindergarten is that we want them to start learning the basics and we want them to know that school is a good fun place. This is a great program and it definitely helps the students and teachers. The beginning of the year definitely goes much more smoothly because of this program.”