Ready for Kindergarten?

By Nancy L. Welu, Early Childhood Special Education Consultant, Keystone AEA

This time of year, many parents are wondering, “Is my child ready for kindergarten?” Contrary to what parents might think or have been told, a child does not need “to be ready” for kindergarten. The only requirement to begin kindergarten is that a child is five years old on or before September 15th of that school year.

When parents have a child entering kindergarten who knows his or her colors, shapes, numbers, or letters, the parents often thinks the child is “ready.” Although having these skills may help the child initially, research has shown that most children learn these skills with time, and by third grade, there is little distinction between those children who entered kindergarten knowing their pre-academic skills and those who learned once they began formal schooling.

Now this doesn’t mean to diminish a parent or preschool teacher who is working on pre-academic skills. But when it comes to being “ready” for kindergarten, there are far more important skills that every kindergarten teacher appreciates and needs in that beginning kindergarten student.

Some of these skills are being able to do the following – complete independent tasks; share toys and materials; ask for help when needed; sit and listen quietly; work and play with others cooperatively; separate from his or her parents; respect adults; and have an eagerness to learn.

Parents and others who work with young children can help a child develop these skills. Children entering kindergarten should be able to put on and take off their own coat as well as take care of their belongings. All children need reminders, but learning to be responsible for one’s self begins at home. A simple way to learn this skill is having a child pick up and put away toys after playing.

Learning to share is a life-long skill, and it begins before kindergarten. If children have playmates in their home or have siblings, they have opportunities to share toys and wait their turn. A child may not like sharing toys, but this is an important lesson. If a child is able to share, he or she is more able to work cooperatively in school situations and will make friends more easily.

Being able to ask for help is critical when a child is in school. Knowing how to do this helps the child learn to function without their parents. Children have to know how to handle situations on their own. By visiting a friend’s home or staying with a child care provider, they will have opportunities to practice this skill. Separating from parents is not easy but absolutely necessary as a child begins his or her life outside the home.

Starting school is an important day for a child. But parents need to make it a special occasion every day throughout all the years. Take time to talk to a child about his or her day. Get to know the child’s teacher. Prepare a special place at home where a child can keep his or her belongings and also a place to work. Allow for quiet time within the home. Teach children to listen to others. Show excitement about a child’s learning, and in doing all of these things, this child will be “ready for kindergarten.”