Preparing for Kindergarten

What Should a Child Know Before Entering Kindergarten?

© Emily Rogers

Nov 11, 2009
What to Teach a Child Before Kindergarten, Emily Rogers
Preparing for Kindergarten is very important to a child's educational development, parents should start teaching basic curriculum to their child at an early age.

Some parents make the mistake of assuming that their child may not need to know certain things before entering Kindergarten. The truth is, Kindergarten has become much more of a learning environment these days, rather than just fun and play. Taking time to do Pre K Activities and preparing for Kindergarten are essential to a child’s educational development.

Make Reading Fun When Preparing for Kindergarten

First and foremost, parents should schedule a time each day to read with their child. Reading to children each day can be really healthy for their educational development. However, using certain strategies when reading to a child can make a huge difference to their development. Try following these tips for making reading fun:

  • Allow the child to choose a book each day for you to read aloud.
  • Read with enthusiasm, as when parents enjoy reading, children will enjoy it, as well.
  • Ask the child questions in between reading the story. This will help the child learn to comprehend what the parent is reading, as well as predict what will happen next.

Kindergarten Preparation Includes Singing ABC’s

Parents should take time to teach their child to sing their ABC’s aloud each day. When parents sing with their child aloud, this will help make the process of learning their ABC’s fun and exciting.

Teaching Children to Count When Preparing for Kindergarten

It’s also important to count aloud with children. Use fingers and objects to teach children to count. Children should be able to count to 10 on their own before entering Kindergarten. However, if children can count to 20 or more, this will be even more helpful to their ability to succeed throughout Kindergarten.

Kindergarten Preparation Includes Introducing Shapes

It’s also important to introduce shapes before a child enters Kindergarten. Parents can simply print out Pre K activities online which include matching shapes and tracing them, as well. Children should be able to recognize basic shapes before entering Kindergarten.

Practice Tracing and Writing When Preparing for Kindergarten

Once children understand their ABC’s and 123’s, parents should then begin having them practice tracing and writing them, as well. It is very helpful if a child becomes used to holding a crayon and pencil correctly and practices tracing and writing before going to school. A child should at least be able to write his name before entering Kindergarten.

Motor Skills are an Important Part of Kindergarten Preparation

It’s not only important to mentally prepare children for Kindergarten, it’s also quite essential to physically prepare them, as well. This means practicing simple motor skills with a child. Parents should take the time to print out Pre K crafts online, teaching their child to cut with scissors and glue things together. This will definitely help with the child's Kindergarten preparation.

Kindergarten preparation is very important and parents are in charge of teaching their children the basics before entering school. Preparing for Kindergarten takes some time and effort, however; when children are mentally and physically prepared to enter school, this will greatly help their confidence and give them a great start with their educational development.

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Sources: Thelaboroflove.com


The copyright of the article Preparing for Kindergarten in Homeschool Curricula is owned by Emily Rogers. Permission to republish Preparing for Kindergarten in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.


What to Teach a Child Before Kindergarten, Emily Rogers
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