Simple daily practice helps get young children ready for kindergarten

Dear Heloise: My twin grandchildren will be starting kindergarten in August. The school gave me some tasks to practice with the twins so they will be ready:

We practice writing letters and words outside using sidewalk chalk.

I make sure the kids can follow step-by-step directions.

When they are telling me about their day, I ask them what happened first, then next and then last.

I have the twins practice taking care of their books, art supplies, sweaters, etc.

They play with the neighborhood children.

I tell them that school is a place to have fun, learn and grow. But it’s not all playtime. They have to follow the rules and listen to the teacher.

If they have any fears about school, I listen to them and reassure them.

The twins are eager to start school!—Mary P., Joliet, Ill.

LET’S FACE IT Hello, Heloise: While spring-cleaning, I discovered I had way too many small bath towels, and I was getting low on face cloths. I decided to cut the towels and make face cloths.

I found I can get six cloths from one towel. I just whip the edges, and I’m done.—Sheila in Maine

THINK INSIDE THE BOX Dear Heloise: My linen cabinets were full and in disarray. My hint solved this.

I used attractive hat boxes for storing full sets of bedsheets—one hat box per set. I stacked them on the floor of each bedroom. Handy and decorative!

Now my linen closet is roomy enough for towels, blankets, etc.— Russell in Washington