Kindergarten is a big step for our little kids! It’s a point where we have to admit to ourselves that our baby is not a baby anymore. So bittersweet!
What do our kids need to know to be ready for kindergarten? There’s not any test to prove whether they’re kindergarten ready. But there are definitely things you can teach them to help them prepare for that big step. If you are teaching them preschool at home, Glue-sticks and ABC’s might be helpful. But a preschool curriculum is not needed for them to learn what they need to know for kindergarten.
How a Book Works
Before kids learn to read, they need to know that our words go from left to right, and that a book’s binding needs to be on the left side so that we can turn the pages from the right. You don’t need to point these things out to your little ones. Instead, show them again and again by reading to them.
As you read with your littles, be patient when they want to pause your reading to talk about the story or the pictures. You might even want to pause to ask them what they think might happen next, or just to get a general sense if they’re understanding the story. Reading to your child often might be the best thing you can do to help them prepare for kindergarten!
Working on the Alphabet
To help your little one get ready for kindergarten, help them get familiar with the alphabet. Point out letters wherever you see them. Find puzzles or games that have letters and talk to them about those letters. Write their name often where they can see it, saying the letters as you write, and then say their name when you’re finished.
It’s not necessary for kids to know the whole alphabet and all the sounds the letters make when they enter kindergarten. It is important for them to have had some practice with it, though. The more practice they get, the sooner they’ll learn to read.
Fine Motor Skills for Writing
Little ones need practice at making their hands and fingers do things. Learning to eat with utensils is one example of fine motor skills that will eventually help kids learn to write. Another way they can practice for writing is by doing puzzles where a piece fits into a spot cut out for it. Holding pencils and crayons and making them put color on a page is good practice. Tracing letters or shapes on a page is especially good practice for writing. When they’re ready you can help them learn to cut with safety scissors. Don’t worry that it’s crooked or off the lines, this is just practice time.
Knowing What it Means to Count
Before we can understand the meaning of number symbols, we have to understand the concept of counting. To be ready for kindergarten, kids need to have plenty of exposure to counting. Help them count the eggs in the carton, the crayons in the box, or the books on the shelf. Help them count how many forks are needed to set the table, and how many scoops of flour to make a batch of cookies. Play hide-and-seek with them and count to twenty, then help them count to twenty. Take every opportunity you find to count with your kiddos.
Practice Following Instructions
Aside from the academics of school, school settings require listening and following instructions. Hopefully most parents will already be asking their kids to complete tasks to help at home, such as helping with chores and cleaning up after themselves. As a parent there are lots of opportunities to ask our kids to do things, and to teach them new skills. Pay attention for these opportunities and let your kids practice following directions everyday.
Getting ready for kindergarten might be harder on your emotions than it will be for your little one to learn. Kids are often like sponges, soaking up whatever they are taught. Don’t push it, though. Keep the learning happy and fun so they can enjoy it. When they’re tired of the practice, it’s time to be done. The most important thing you can do for them in their school years is to be supportive and helpful. Support from family is the number one reason for academic success.
Best wishes on this big step, and keep enjoying your adventure!
