Although your child may be 5 years old, he may not be ready for kindergarten. How do you know if she is ready? We know your child is the light of your life and has showed incredible steps in their learning so far, but a formal education setting can be a strange transition for any child to make, no matter their learning style.
To see if your child is ready to begin their formal education, ask yourself if:
My child…
* Will share and take turns.
* Enjoys learning.
* Likes to explore and discover.
* Will ask questions.
* Will continue to try, even when the task is difficult.
* Can problem-solve.
* Will tell someone if she needs something.
* Can express her feelings.
* Can follow simple directions.
* Can listen to a story without interrupting.
* Can handle separation from parents.
* Is beginning to take responsibility for his personal belongings.
* Can use the bathroom by his or herself.
* Can hold a pencil.
* Can cut with scissors.
* Knows his name.
* Can sing.
* Can recite the alphabet.
* Recognizes some letters.
* Can count to 10.
* Recognizes numbers 1 – 5.
Ideally, your child will be comfortable with all of these readiness indicators. However, every child is different.
Some children who are close to the cut-off date for kindergarten will be more successful if they wait a year to enroll or enroll in a pre-k program. Sometimes children are ready for the academics, but have not yet developed the social skills they need for kindergarten.
You are the best judge of what is best for your child.
How can you help ready your child for their next stage of education?
* Consider a preschool or pre k program if your child has not participated in any group education.
* Provide your child opportunities to play with other children his age. If possible, give your child the opportunity to play with some of the children who will be in her class.
* Take a tour of the new school with your child. Show him his classroom, the bathrooms, library and playground. If possible, introduce her to her teacher.
* Help your child become accustomed to following directions.
* Talk with your child about the new school routine.
* Give your child appropriate chores at home and hold her accountable for doing them. Some possible chores include picking up toys, hanging up clothes, making the bed (if simple), set the table, dust, help carry the groceries.
By actively readying your child for school, they will have a more seamless transition which means a less stressful beginning to their path in education
Posted By: Paul Adams
Thursday, June 3rd 2010 at 12:52PM
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