January

Guilford County's School Readiness Calendar
The School Readiness Calendar helps parents and providers get young children school ready with these fun and simple activities!

Calendar for January 2026
Sunday	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday
NC Pre-K Registration starts January 12, 2026! Kindergarten Registration starts January 9, 2026! Check out Guilford County's School's 2026-2027 School Locator to find your neighborhood school and start your Kindergarten Registration! Check out Guilford County Partnership for Children's NC Pre-K Site Search Tool to find the right school fit for your family!				1 Write out news year's resolutions for the whole family	2 Tape down paper "snowflakes" with letters and hop to named letters	3 Count cotton balls into numbered cups
4 Thread yarn through pre-punched snowflake shapes	5 Use cotton balls and paper to create a snowy scene	6 Mix baking soda and water to make "snow"	7 Sing the Song "Snowflakes Falling Down" Song Lyrics: Snowflakes falling to the ground, To the ground, to the ground. Snowflakes falling to the ground, Soft and white and cold. Catch them as they float on down, Float on down, float on down. Catch them as they float on down, Winter's here to stay!	8 Toss soft balls at a "snowman"	9 GCS Kindergarten Registration Opens! Link If your child turns 5 on or before August 31, 2026...it's time for Kindergarten! Learn all about Kindergarten Kick-Off at: https://www.gcsnc.com/choose-and-enroll/school-locator/kindergarten-registration	10 Write things you're thankful for on paper snowflakes
11 Pretend to save toy animals from "ice" (freeze a bowl of water)	12 NC Pre-K Applications Open! Time to apply for NC Pre-K! Children who are 4 on or before August 31, 2026 may be eligibile for free, high quality preschool. Here is what families need to know: • Families apply through the Guilford County Partnership for Children for all NC Pre-K classrooms • Children may be eligible if they live in Guilford County and turn 4 years old on or before August 31, 2026 • Make applying easier by reading the Frequently Asked Questions on the website guilfordchildren.org/about-nc-pre-k before starting the application • Applying throughout spring may shorten your application processing time, the application is not first come, first served • Families can choose a classroom at these partner locations: Guilford County Schools, GenerationEd, and various licensed 4 and 5 star private child care centers Before you apply, please read the FAQs so you know what to expect.	13 Build a snowman using circles, squares, and triangles	14 Move ice cubes using spoons for a fun challenge	15 Make a snow globe by drawing a winter scene and "seal" it in a clear plastic plate	16 Track the temperature or snowfall daily	17 Sing the Song "Building a Snowman" Lyrics: Roll, roll, roll the snow, Big and round we go. Pile it high and add a face, A snowman in its place! A hat, a scarf and gloves go on, Carrot for a nose. Buttons down his tummy round, That's how our snowman grows!
18 Draw snowmen with different facial expressions	19 Retell a favorite winter story using toys	20 Sing the Song "The Mitten Song" Lyrics: The mittens on my hands keep me all warm, Keep me all warm, keep me all warm. The mittens on my hands keep me all warm, All winter long! The scarf around my neck goes round and round, Round and round, round and round. The scarf around my neck goes round and round, All winter long!	21 Create patterns using block shapes or cutouts	22 Sort buttons by size or color using tongs	23 Use string and blue paint to make dripping icicle art	24 Predict and test how long ice cubes take to melt
25 Look for animal tracks outside or create some with toys	26 Race to "dress" a snowman with scarves and hats	27 Build winter houses from blocks and decorate with paper cutouts	28 Pretend to "fix" a snowman with missing parts	29 Do one kind act each day throughout the month	30 Match paper mittens with numbers or patterns	31 Discuss how winter activities make you feel

Tips for Parents:

Create a reading routine with your child by choosing a consistent time daily (like before bed) to read together to help build a love for reading, strengthen language skills, and create a special bonding moment.

Use different voices for characters and add sound effects while reading to keep your child’s attention, build listening skills, and make reading fun.

For More Information, visit readbondgrow.org

Book(s) to Read this Month:

“A Sled for Gabo” by Emma Otheguy, Illustrated by Ana Ramírez González

"Play is the foundation of learning for young children. When parents actively engage in their child's play, they are not just participating in games but are building the child's future."

— Dr. Evelyn Moore, founder of the National Black Child Development Institute