"When I thought of her going to kindergarten, I thought, 'Oh no, I don't want to go through this again,' " Tupua said.

A summer kindergarten transition program offered through the Institute for Native Pacific Education and Culture is giving Tupua hope that this time will be easier. INPEACE's Keiki Steps to Kindergarten program is helping about 250 entering kindergartners in Wai-'anae and on the Big Island.

"The target is children with no preschool," said INPEACE executive director Marci Sarsona. "That's the priority." However, the program is open to other entering kindergartners when space is available.

Tupua said it's a relief to be able to introduce Aloha to the school climate before the first day. "I'd rather come to this kind of program instead of dealing with it when school starts," she said. "I've seen whole classrooms of kids crying."

Summer programs for entering kindergartners are becoming more popular, even necessary, as academic expectations rise at all grade levels, and amid concerns that too many children aren't prepared for the rituals of a school day, from minding a teacher and learning new skills to playing with others.

As schools try to figure out how to meet the demands of the federal No Child Left Behind Act, many have focused on trying to make sure children enter kindergarten ready to learn from day one.

Teacher Lisa Asano works with Alexis Ampelogino, left, and Kainani Bolton, as the 4-year-olds do puzzles at the Keiki Steps to Kindergarten program at Kamaile Elementary School.

Liz Chun, executive director of the Good Beginnings Alliance, said these programs are important because what's taught helps children adapt to the school routine and atmosphere. "It really helps them when they get into a class with more children, many of whom have been to preschool," Chun said. "It eases the transition greatly."

In surveys, some 40 percent of kindergarten teachers report their students enter unprepared to learn, Chun said. The transition programs not only help the children make the jump to kindergarten, but also help teachers figure out the skills levels of their entering students and adjust their teaching to better help them.

Kindergarten transition programs vary from school to school, but Melodie Vega, an early childhood education management consultant, said INPEACE's goal is getting children to a point where they are able to follow routines, make friends, participate in a group and enjoy school.

A successful program prepares students so that they easily separate from their parents, are able to sit in a group for a certain period of time and are able to follow directions and routines, Vega said.

Kamaile kindergarten teacher Lisa Asano, who is giving up half her summer vacation to lead the Keiki Steps to Kindergarten program, said she thinks it's a good idea for children to attend transition programs.

Many children are so fearful on entering school that it might impact their learning, Asano said. Her goal is to teach them that the classroom is "somewhere inviting, a place where they feel safe."

She also would like the kids to have some basic skills before the first day, such as knowing some of the alphabet, how to spell their names and how to use scissors. Her program also introduces them to shapes, colors and numbers.

Aloha, whose lip trembled when her father dropped her off on the first day, was already happily adjusted by the end of her first week. "She comes home and she talks about the assignments," her mom said. "She says, 'I need to study the paper that Auntie gave me.' "

"It's fun to learn for the teacher," the 5-year-old explained.

Aloha said she is looking forward to school, especially the social aspects. "I want to have some friends. It's only just me and my brothers (at home)," she said.

The program has been such a pleasant experience that Aloha is having an easier time separating than her mom is, Tupua said.

As Aloha relishes her new experience and independence, Tupua joked, "Now I'm the one who wants to cry."

Reach Treena Shapiro at tshapiro@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8014.

Practicing for the first day of school

The UH Center on the Family has a guidebook on the first day of school.

Grace Fong, a family resources teacher connected to the center, said the first step is to register your child and find out if there is a transition program available. If not, ask if you can set up a time to visit the school with your child, preferably when the teacher is there, and maybe even when a class is in session.

The University of Hawai'i Center on the Family has created a "Getting Ready for Kindergarten" book that gives children an idea of what to expect. Order it at www.uhfamily.hawaii.edu/publications/guides/GettingReadyForKinder garten.htm.

The Good Beginnings Alliance, a statewide public-private initiative focused on children up to 5, offers a brochure (available at all elementary schools) on activities to help your child enter kindergarten ready to learn.