Craig Daily Press

It's not just letters, numbers and shapes.

Getting ready for the first year of school is much more about life experiences, two local kindergarten teachers contend.

"Learning should be a natural process," said Kathy Duran, a kindergarten teacher at Sunset Elementary School. "I think through communication with your child, it should just evolve."

In her 23 years experience, Duran said the keys to success are developing healthy social skills and "exposure to everyday life."

This summer, as parents prepare children to enter school, Duran suggests letting them play with children their own age and work with a variety of arts and craft items. Visiting parks and museums or playing a sport are good ways to see new things and develop confidence and teamwork abilities, she said.

Andi Murphy, a kindergarten teacher at East Elementary School, said joining the Summer Reading Program hosted by Moffat County Libraries is a great way to instill a love of reading early on.

"I think it's important for (parents) to read to their children," Duran said. "They just learn so much about life through books."

Preschool is one way to prepare children for the structure of school and the skills they'll be learning, the teachers said. But preschool may not suit every child.

"As a parent, I think it's important to look at other children the same age to determine what's best," Duran said. "Every child is different."

To enter kindergarten, a child must be 5 years old by Aug. 31 of that school year. Still, some parents choose to wait an additional year before entering school.

With increased standards than what Duran saw a decade ago -- students now leave kindergarten reading and writing -- waiting can be a good choice.

"We're required to teach them so much more now," Murphy said.

And parents' attitudes about school can be critical in their children's success.

"I think if parents are excited about their kids going to school, it'll set the tone for the student," Duran said.

And parents working with teachers to create a successful school experience is key, too.

"I think if you have high expectations of your child," Murphy said, "they'll meet them."