Kalvin and Kaiser's Very Busy Day: An 'Am I Ready 4 Kindergarten?' Book Focusing on Physical Development
#5 in Am I Ready 4 Kindergarten? Series
illustrations by
What’s inside...
Join Kalvin and Kaiser, two fun-loving preschool puppies, along with some mischievous mice, during a fun and very busy summer day. The activities in their busy day prepare these puppies for success in kindergarten and beyond. This beautifully illustrated story is accompanied by questions that parents can use interactively to help their children prepare for kindergarten. The skills in Kalvin and Kaiser’s Busy Day emphasize early learning standards for physical development that the author selected from her years of experience as a preschool and kindergarten teacher. An 'Am I Ready 4 Kindergarten?' book, the books in the series follow the adventures of two preschool-age puppies and their friends. Each story focuses on one or more categories within the early learning standards. Throughout the story, the puppies' activities are accompanied by questions, cross-referenced in an early learning standards index at the back of the book. Parents can use these questions to motivate their children to imitate the characters in the book and master the skills highlighted in that story. They can also use the index to look deeper into the standards and design their own activities to help their children become kindergarten ready.
Discussion points
How did Kalvin and Kaiser prepare for their big day at kindergarten?
What activities did they do that you think look fun?
How do you feel about going to kindergarten after reading about Kalvin and Kaiser's day?
What are some ways you like to exercise just like Kalvin and Kaiser did in the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about kindergarten by relating to Kalvin and Kaiser’s experiences.
Discuss the importance of physical activities shown in the book and explore which ones your child might enjoy.
Use the story’s scenarios to talk about your child’s own daily routine and how they can incorporate fun, physical activities.
After reading, encourage your child to draw a picture of what they imagine their first day of kindergarten to look like.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Physical Activity
Explanation: Kalvin and Kaiser spend their day engaging in various physical activities that help them prepare for kindergarten, such as running, jumping, and climbing.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to participate in physical play and understand the benefits of staying active for their health and readiness for school settings.
Example Lesson: Following Instructions
Explanation: Throughout their day, Kalvin and Kaiser follow instructions from adults and older peers, which helps them navigate their activities successfully.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the importance of listening to and following directions, whether at home, in school, or during extracurricular activities.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Cooperation
Explanation: The book shows Kalvin and Kaiser working together and with other children to complete tasks and play games.
Real-World Application: Highlights the value of working collaboratively, sharing, and supporting peers, skills that are essential in school and other social environments.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: When faced with challenges during their playful activities, Kalvin and Kaiser come up with creative solutions.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to think critically and independently when encountering obstacles, fostering a mindset of resilience and resourcefulness.
Example Lesson: Preparation and Anticipation
Explanation: As the title suggests, the story is structured around preparing for a significant milestone, kindergarten, which reflects on the experiences and expectations of the day.
Real-World Application: Helps children understand the concept of preparing for new experiences and managing their expectations, aiding their transition into kindergarten or new environments.