From what I hear, Kindergarten sneaks up on you like you wouldn’t believe. Well, really, I can believe it. My daughter will be three in July and I’m still in the state of shock. And while I thought the days of teething and tantrums would last forever, I now know that’s certainly not the case. And guess what? School is right around the corner.

With that being said, I would have no idea what would be expected of my daughter as she entered Kindergarten and First Grade. Few resources exist that explain the skills required for children entering school, and with curricula rapidly changing, it can be hard for parents to keep up. As many parents quickly learn, it’s not about knowing your name, tying your shoes, and counting to ten anymore.

So mom and now author Stacey Kannenberg decided to do something about it. She has created two award-winning books — Let’s Get Ready for Kindergarten and Let’s Get Ready for First Grade — both of which are available in over 350 school districts nationwide and on several online booksellers for motivated parents. Quite simply, these books provide helpful information for parents as to what their children need to know when entered those grades. But really, books are for the kids; they include activities and exercises to not only show parents what’s required but help them help their kids. 

By starting this grass roots movement, Stacey is hoping to help teachers empower parents and get them involved in the learning process so no child is left behind. And along with providing a valuable resource, Stacey is giving back; 10% of the proceeds go to literacy programs.

Our bloggers have been testing out both the K and 1st Grade books with their little ones and are eager to share their results. If you’ve got a child getting ready for these grades, I strongly suggest you follow along with the reviews.

And if you’d like to win a set of the books, leave us a comment and an answer to this question: “What are you most concerned about as your child enters K or 1st grade?” GOOD LUCK — we’ll pick a winner on our Final Round Up Day!

4/11 K:  Toddlers & Bananas, 1st Grade: Managing Motherhood

4/12 K: Builder Mama, 1st Grade: Fishy Girl

4/13  K: Chaos Theory, 1st Grade: Kari’s Couch

4/16 K: The Domestic Diva, 1st Grade: If Mama Ain’t Happy…

4/17 K: Little Bird, 1st Grade: Mama Maven

4/18: Mid Campaign Round Up

4/19 K: Get in the Car!, 1st Grade: Mommy Needs Coffee

4/20 K: Ginga Joy, 1st Grade: Radioactive Girl

4/23 K: Midwestern Mommy, 1st Grade: Pundit Mom

4/24 K: Plain Jane Mom, 1st Grade: Ruthless in the Suburbs

4/25 K: Sarah’s Dandelions, 1st Grade: Three Kid Circus

4/26: Final Round Up