What Your Child Really Needs to Know For Kindergarten
As many of us have realized the demands of Kindergarten students have increased immensely in recent years. I am a firm believer that children are underestimated in their abilities.They need to explore the world, try new things and learn to be independent
I have sent three children of my own to Kindergarten and have taught too many to count over the last 22 years. I have compiled a list of eight skills that all Kindergarten students should have before September and it has almost nothing to do with academics.
1. Children should be able to sit and listen to a story with no interruption or talking. They should also be able to retell that story in sequential order.
2. Children should be independent in the bathroom. This one is so important! Teachers will not be able to assist each individual child with cleaning themselves, or buttoning pants etc.
3. Children should know how to buckle themselves in a seat belt. Most children are still in some kind of booster seat, if not a five point harness. Some school districts require children who ride the bus to use their seat belt. Chilren should know how to independently use a seat belt.
4. Children should know how to dress themselves, put on their shoes, and care for their belongings. Make sure they can open their backpack and know how to put it on. If they can not yet tie their shoes, you might want to get velcro shoes if they are uncomfortable asking for help.
5. Children should know how to eat lunch and handle their food and food containers. Practice opening and closing the bags and containers with your child beforehand. Let them know what your expectations are. For example, eat your sandwich and fruit first before eating your dessert.
6. Children should be comfortable verbalizing their needs. Will they ask a teacher for help if needed? If they are not feeling well will they know to ask to go to the nurse?
7. Children should be able to recognize at least their first names in print. Cubbies, lunchboxes, name cards etc. will be a part of your child's day and they will need to be able to recognize their name.
8. Children should be able to follow 2-3 step directions. A teacher, for example, may direct them to put their pencil away, get their lunchbox and line up at the door.
9. Children should be comfortable initiating and accepting peer interactions. Are they able to ask friends to play with them? Are they able to join a group of children and understand the "give and take" of play, taking turns, etc.
10. Children should be able to problem solve every day issues. If they need help, have a problem with a peer, etc., are they able to appropriately handle these occurances? Do they have the skills to work through problems and formulate a strategy for success with minimal adult guidance?
These skills will be helpful to your child and their success in school. Being independent and confident is so very important to children. It creates a feeling of safety and readiness to learn!
I have sent three children of my own to Kindergarten and have taught too many to count over the last 22 years. I have compiled a list of eight skills that all Kindergarten students should have before September and it has almost nothing to do with academics.
1. Children should be able to sit and listen to a story with no interruption or talking. They should also be able to retell that story in sequential order.
2. Children should be independent in the bathroom. This one is so important! Teachers will not be able to assist each individual child with cleaning themselves, or buttoning pants etc.
3. Children should know how to buckle themselves in a seat belt. Most children are still in some kind of booster seat, if not a five point harness. Some school districts require children who ride the bus to use their seat belt. Chilren should know how to independently use a seat belt.
4. Children should know how to dress themselves, put on their shoes, and care for their belongings. Make sure they can open their backpack and know how to put it on. If they can not yet tie their shoes, you might want to get velcro shoes if they are uncomfortable asking for help.
5. Children should know how to eat lunch and handle their food and food containers. Practice opening and closing the bags and containers with your child beforehand. Let them know what your expectations are. For example, eat your sandwich and fruit first before eating your dessert.
6. Children should be comfortable verbalizing their needs. Will they ask a teacher for help if needed? If they are not feeling well will they know to ask to go to the nurse?
7. Children should be able to recognize at least their first names in print. Cubbies, lunchboxes, name cards etc. will be a part of your child's day and they will need to be able to recognize their name.
8. Children should be able to follow 2-3 step directions. A teacher, for example, may direct them to put their pencil away, get their lunchbox and line up at the door.
9. Children should be comfortable initiating and accepting peer interactions. Are they able to ask friends to play with them? Are they able to join a group of children and understand the "give and take" of play, taking turns, etc.
10. Children should be able to problem solve every day issues. If they need help, have a problem with a peer, etc., are they able to appropriately handle these occurances? Do they have the skills to work through problems and formulate a strategy for success with minimal adult guidance?
These skills will be helpful to your child and their success in school. Being independent and confident is so very important to children. It creates a feeling of safety and readiness to learn!
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