Cruise into Kindergarten is a statewide initiative designed to strengthen early learning and support kindergarten readiness through library programming, an online game, parent resources, and professional resources.The Dauphin County Library System regularly hosts a five-week Cruise into Kindergarten program for children ages 4 and 5 who will soon be starting kindergarten. These in-person sessions allow children to “play kindergarten” through guided, hands-on activities centered on themes aligned with Pennsylvania learning standards. These sessions begin with a special storytime where children practice kindergarten-readiness skills, such as going over the calendar, taking turns, and vocabulary development, followed by the activity stations.
The activity stations help build pre-reading and pre-writing skills, as well as letter and number recognition, through a variety of play experiences. Interactive learning is modeled for parents. 
Even when library programs are out of session or unavailable, Cruise activity cards and the Cruise into Kindergarten board game can be accessed, providing families with lots of information and ideas for supporting early learning at home. By engaging in imaginative and guided play with young children, you can help them develop the skills for a successful transition to kindergarten.
Even when library programs are out of session or unavailable, Cruise activity cards and the Cruise into Kindergarten board game can be accessed, providing families with lots of information and ideas for supporting early learning at home. By engaging in imaginative and guided play with young children, you can help them develop the skills for a successful transition to kindergarten.The five practices of the national “Every Child Ready to Read” program serve as a foundation for the program’s curriculum and include reading, writing, singing, talking, and playing. These practices work together to help children learn pre-reading skills like letter knowledge, print motivation, print awareness, phonological awareness, and vocabulary. If you’ve been to one of our storytimes, you will recognize these practices.
Preparing for kindergarten involves more than early literacy. Here are some additional ways that you can prepare children for kindergarten:
- Model positive problem-solving.
- Practice following directions in fun ways.
- Give choices.
- Talk with your child and discuss their emotions.
- Develop routines, including bedtime and morning routines.
- Help your child develop independence, including self-help skills.
For additional ideas and support, families with children entering kindergarten can attend our Kindergarten Fairs scheduled in August. The Library has two events scheduled. One is on Tuesday, August 18th, at 5:00 pm at the Salvation Army (506 S. 29th Street, Harrisburg). The second is on August 22 , 2026, at 11:00 am and will be held at the Ned Smith Center (176 Water Company Road, Millersburg). The fairs will have activities, resources, and community partners available to answer questions about how to support your scholars.