A Few Words About "Kindergarten Readiness"

No, no! It's not that time yet! Most of you are not even thinking along these lines at all, we bet - especially in the first weeks of preschool!! Rather, this post is about all the ways that your children are becoming "kindergarten ready" in preschool without even knowing it!  One of the things we like to tell parents is that it is kindergarten's job to be "ready" for your child. However, we know that this is a topic people want to know about, so here is what we teachers think are the most important skills: 

Although there are some schools, sadly, that expect 5-year-olds to already possess certain literacy and math skills, most are more concerned with a child having:

·      Problem solving skills.

·      The ability to get along with others.

·      The ability to work on his/her own without disrupting the classroom.

·      The ability to self-regulate.

·      Self-help skills (zipping, toileting, dressing one’s self).

·      Knowing vital safety information such as their own last name, parents’ names, address and phone number.

When asked, “What skills do you hope children will have when they leave for Kindergarten?” Village preschool teachers answer…

“A positive perception of one’s self as a learner – with the ability to follow directions, attend to a task, ask for help, and take initiative in solving social and cognitive problems.” And, “A sound foundation for the continuing development of literacy, math, logic, artistic, and cultural understandings.” 

 

Kindergarten Readiness is…

A child who listens…

·      To directions without interrupting

·      To stories and poems for five to ten minutes without restlessness

A child who hears…

·      Words that rhyme

·      Words that begin with the same sounds or with different sounds

A child who sees…

·      Likenesses and differences in pictures and designs

·      Letters and words that match

A child who understands…

·      The relationship inherent in such words as up and down, top and bottom, little and big

·      The classifications of words that represent people, places and things

A child who speaks and can…

·      Stay on topic in class discussions

·      Retell a story or poem in correct sequence

·      Tell a story or relate an experience of his own

A child who thinks and can…

·      Give the main ideas of the story

·      Give unique ideas and important details

·      Give reasons for her opinions

A child who adjusts…

·      To changes in routine and new situations without becoming fearful

·      To opposition or defeat without crying or sulking

·      To the necessity of asking for help when needed

A child who plays…

·      Cooperatively with other children and shares, takes turns, and assumes his share of group responsibility

·      And can run, jump, skip, and bounce a ball with comparative dexterity

A child who works…

·      Without easily being distracted

·      And follows directions

·      And completes each task

·      And takes pride in his work

A child who can use…

·      Writing instruments and paint brushes

·      Scissors

A child who is self-sufficient and can…

·      Take care of their own toilet needs without assistance

·      Put on and take off own coats, winter clothing, and boots