Kindergarten Readiness: Helping Your Child Prepare For School
Kindergarten readiness:
*Varies from child to child
*Includes mental, physical, emotional and social development
*Can be assessed by your child’s pediatrician
*Is usually assessed with a Kindergarten Readiness Test at your child’s prospective school
Is your child well prepared for entering Kindergarten? Kindergarten classes today focus on teaching the fundamentals of reading, writing and arithmetic, as well as furthering your child’s social and emotional development. In order for your child to comfortably participate in classroom activities and be able to understand and utilize the knowledge presented, your child should have a good foundation in the following areas which are used to determine Kindergarten readiness.
One of the most important qualifications of Kindergarten readiness is the ability to understand and follow the teacher’s directions. Your child will be functioning in a classroom setting, and will not have the undivided attention of the instructor. Consider enrolling your child in small group activities before entering Kindergarten. Children who have not attended preschool may find it very difficult to be separated from their parent, and may feel nervous as part of a group. Organized sports for preschoolers, summer day camps, or organized play groups are a great starting point. Additionally, places such as “The Little Gym” offer a variety of fun, age appropriate classes for infants and small children geared towards developmental progression in a group setting. Check your local newspapers or search online for activities for children in your area.
Social development refers to your child’s ability to interact with others. Does he play well as part of a group? How does she relate her needs and feelings to adults? Social development is an important part of Kindergarten readiness, but is also an area in which children quickly progress once in the Kindergarten classroom setting. To help your child, encourage open communication between adults and children, and have your child join in active play with other children. Taking advantage of playgrounds, parks, and store play areas are all fun, free ways to foster social development.
Kindergarten readiness includes the ability to react appropriately to both social and environmental stimuli. Your child’s emotional development plays a large role in her immediate response to situations. He needs to be able to identify his emotions and communicate them appropriately. Talk with your child about feelings like being sad, being happy, and what they mean. Helping children express feelings through communication better enables them to react appropriately when faced with new and sometimes difficult situations.
Physical development is considered for kindergarten readiness, although it is not as important as mental, social, and emotional development. If your child is behind in the category of physical development, your family pediatrician most likely has spoken to you on the subject. Engaging in active play with your child is very important. You might find your child enjoys outdoor activities such as gardening, which can be done together, and are also learning opportunities. Discourage or limit time spent watching television, and encourage your child to participate in daily tasks as well as fun activities. Gross and fine motor skills development is very important, and even mundane daily activities like sweeping the floor or watering the plants can be great fun for a child while fostering physical development. Matters of appearance, such as height and weight, are the least important for Kindergarten readiness.
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