Top 10 Things Every Child Should Know Before Entering Kindergarten
1. Be able to state first and last name when asked.
2. Be able to write first name and recognize their name in print.
3. Use appropriate three-finger grasp when using writing instruments (pencils, crayons and scissors) STRATEGIES: Your hand over their hand or hold a cotton ball in the palm of your hand with your pinky, ring, and middle fingers.
4. Know basic colors (red, blue, green, yellow, orange, purple, black, white, brown, pink)
5. Use finger to accurately touch count items to ten.
6. Knows concepts of print (front and back of book, which page comes first, track words left to right).
7. Be able to rhyme words.
8. Retells simple stories in sequence-beginning, middle and end of the story.
9. Know how to hold scissors properly and cut on a line.
10. Color a picture within the lines and be able to hold the crayon properly.
Socially, your child should be able to...
1. Adjust own clothing before and after using restroom.
2. Use restroom independently including washing hands and flushing the toilet without reminder.
3. Take off and put on outer clothing.
4. Sit for a story for 5-10 minutes.
5. Clean up after themselves.
6. Share materials and toys with other children.
7. Attend kindergarten with a positive attitude.
8. Be confident and ready to separate from parent.
9. Be able to listen and follow 2-3 step directions.
10. Be able to solve problems without aggression.
Help Prepare Your Child by...
1. Going to interesting places such as the beach, park, zoo, airport, farm or lake. (Example: Use car rides to play I Spy. This encourages children to identify shapes, colors and helps develop their vocabulary in fun ways.)
2. Encourage your child to observe and talk about their experiences, as conversations with adults who care enrich a child’s vocabulary and understanding of the world.
3. Make eye contact with your child while listening to them speak, showing them that you value what they say.
4. Expose your child to many kinds of literature (poems, nursery rhymes, fiction, fairy tales, fables and nonfiction) by reading to them daily.
5. Praise, correct and encourage your child’s efforts and curiosity, knowing that from mistakes come learning and confidence.
**If you are interested, the Children’s Museum offers “Kindergarten…here I come!” in August. This is a one day informational program for incoming kindergarteners to prepare and excite them for this significant milestone.**