There’s a sweet spot between “we should do something” and a two-hour Pinterest lesson plan. This is it: a tiny, friendly routine that takes about ten minutes and builds the big three—letters, numbers, and social-emotional skills.
Do it at breakfast. Do it while your coffee cools. The magic is that it’s short, predictable, and the same every day.
Step 1: Hello, Letters (3 minutes)
Pick one letter for the week. Keep it wildly simple:
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Say the sound (“/m/ like mmmm milk”).
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Trace it once on a card or wipe-clean sheet.
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Hunt it in the room (“Do you see M anywhere?”).
Why it works: kids need tiny, repeated touches. Not 35 worksheets—just one clean repetition that sticks.
Step 2: Tiny Numbers (3 minutes)
Choose a number 1–10. Count out grapes or blocks. Make a quick set: “Can you show me five socks?”
Level-up variation: write the number and let them dot over it with a marker.
Step 3: Feelings Check-In (2 minutes)
Hold up a feelings card. Name how you feel first: “I’m tired and curious.” Ask, “What are you feeling?” If they shrug, give choices. No fixing, just listening.
Step 4: One Mini Challenge (2 minutes)
Rotate quick games:
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Letter sound treasure hunt
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Count and clap
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“Find three circles” around the room
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One scissor snip line if they’re ready
That’s it. Ten minutes. The power is the repeat. Do it four days this week and you’ll be amazed how much sticks without battles.
Free help: Grab our Kindergarten Readiness Mini Pack (one letter page, one number page, one feelings card, and the printable routine) and just leave it on the table.
Try these next:
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Morning Visual Schedule Cards (stop the “put on shoes” negotiations)
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Calm-Down Cards for “big feeling” mornings
Shop the tools we used:
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Wipe-clean alphabet set
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Feelings & Emotions cards
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Visual schedule cards
