Support Kindergarten Readiness in Massachusetts

These developmentally appropriate, standards-aligned resources are designed to help young learners and their families navigate the big transition to kindergarten.

By focusing on essential social-emotional and foundational skills, these materials empower caregivers to turn everyday routines into powerful teachable moments and ensure every child enters the classroom ready to thrive.

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Discover how TCM supports high‑quality early childhood education in Massachusetts

Ready-to-use resources for school and home

At-Home

Family Engagement + At-Home Learning Resources

Support families and the whole child with at‑home learning tools that promote social-emotional learning and strengthen school readiness skills. Available in English and Spanish.

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Bilingual available

Classroom Libraries

Strengthen early literacy, promote positive behaviors, and build academic knowledge through customizable libraries. Many titles are also available in Spanish.

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Professional Development

Support School Readiness with Customizable PD

Strengthen school-home connections with family engagement PD. Our sessions offer educators practical strategies to build meaningful partnerships, enhance communication, and support student success. Tailored workshops empower families to actively participate in their child’s learning.

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School-Based

Explore & Learn

Implement a comprehensive and flexible Prekindergarten curriculum that integrates evidence-based early literacy practices across themes, builds foundational skills, and supports whole‑child development to ensure kindergarten readiness.

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Resource

Massachusetts Standards Alignment

Discover how TCM early childhood resources align to Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks Early Childhood Standards.

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Download

Building Early Skills Guide

Break down the science of reading for early childhood educators and provide simple yet effective strategies for reading instruction to benefit all students in your prekindergarten program.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are some books that foster SEL competencies and build kindergarten readiness skills?

Massachusetts emphasizes skills like managing emotions, forming relationships, making responsible decisions and developing self-awareness and confidence as part of kindergarten readiness. High-quality SEL books give children opportunities to practice these skills through relatable stories and guided conversations. Explore some of our recommended titles below:

B is for Belonging Kids learn the ABCs of belonging and expand their view of themselves and their community.

You Wonder All The Time This affirming book celebrates curiosity and the thought-provoking questions children ask.

How to Train Your Amygdala This amusing character-driven narrative helps children learn to calm their amygdala and control their fight-flight-freeze impulses.

ABC Ready for School: An Alphabet of Social Skills Help young children learn social skills and get ready for a successful start to school with this award-winning alphabet book.

I Remember my Breath: Mindful Breathing for All My Feelings Visualization and mindful breathing for kids helps children recognize and manage their feelings.

Ollie Outside: Screen-Free Fun This engaging book invites kids and parents to read together, get outdoors, and focus on family fun.

We Can Get Along: A Child’s Book of Choices Newly designed and illustrated edition of a beloved picture book on decision making and getting along

Just Because I Am: A Child’s Book of Affirmation Vivid and inviting new art breathes fresh life into a perennially popular picture book on self-esteem for young children

Dream On! A book about possibilities Help children strengthen their imaginations, think about the future, and work toward goals.

Worries Are Not Forever This reassuring book shows kids ages 4–7 how to shrink worried thoughts and replace them with happier ones.

What skills should a child have before starting kindergarten in Massachusetts?

Children should demonstrate early literacy, basic number sense, fine motor control, listening skills, and social-emotional readiness such as following routines and interacting with peers.

Are these resources appropriate for Pre-K students?

Yes. Many resources are designed for Pre-K through kindergarten and support skill development that bridges early learning and formal schooling.

Can families use these resources at home?

Yes. The materials are designed for classroom and at-home use, helping caregivers reinforce kindergarten readiness skills through structured activities and guided practice.

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