The preschool years go by fast, don’t they? If your child’s preschool years are coming to an end, your thoughts are probably turning toward kindergarten. With that comes many mixed emotions, for both you and your child.
Kindergarten can set the stage for a child’s entire school career, which is both exciting and daunting. To help prepare your child for the next stage in life, it’s important to know what teachers will look for in kindergarten readiness. Richard Peterson, vice president of education at Kiddie Academy, has put together a list to help guide you and your child. Soon they will be on their way!
- Is your child enthusiastic or take initiative when it comes to learning? Often times children at this age like to explore their environment and welcome new experiences. Look for actions in your child that indicate an ability to problem solve and ask questions.
- With kindergarten comes many new adventures so your child will need to adjust and adapt to new settings. Part of this adjustment relies on their social development. Some things to look for include playing well with others and using socially-acceptable ways to express emotions.
- Gross and fine motor skills play a role in the physical development a child goes through when entering kindergarten. Having control when kicking a ball, writing with a pencil and basic eye and hand movement are good places to start.
- Recognition of simple mathematics and language arts is also an important component. Your child should know basic letter and number recognition, which includes counting, participating in conversations and recognizing common types of texts and designs.
Kiddie Academy’s On My Way curriculum helps prepare children that are entering kindergarten using a literacy-based program of units, further organized into weekly themes, which are explored throughout all subject areas and activity learning centers. School days are filled with fun, challenging activities designed to inspire children to create, move and interact. The five year old program is designed to provide the learning and social activities to meet your child’s needs. For more information on kindergarten readiness, visit kiddieacademy.com.
