Skills for a Successful Kindergarten Experience

Ask the Experts by Beth Moran, Early Childhood Teacher

Q. What Skills Should My Child have for a Successful Kindergarten Experience?

A. It is vital in the preschool years to provide your child with experiences to help him/her gain skills and build a foundation for school. But, does my child really need to identify colors, shapes, letters and numbers before entering kindergarten? The answer is YES!

Kindergarten is no longer just play time. It is now like first grade used to be and our children need to be prepared. It is often a difficult task because the kids want to have play time and as parents, we want to be sure our children are prepared for Kindergarten. Expectations include first grade skills. There are now state guidelines on what a child needs to know as a kindergarten student: GLCEs (Grade, Level, Content, Expectations).

The big question is, "How can I teach my child the academic skills and still make it fun?" Parents will often say that every time they get out the flash cards, their child runs or cries because they don't want to do them. There are so many ways to teach academics and make it fun. Join us for an evening of hands on activities that are enjoyable and cover the basics needed before Kindergarten.

At what age should my child be able to perform certain skills?

For 2  to 3-year-olds
1. Names colors
2. Uses words to request
3. Points to 3 basic shapes (circle, triangle, square)
4. Repeats a simple sentence( I want a cracker)
5. Names pictures in a book
6. Listens to a short story
7. Knows parents names
8. Knows first and last name
9. Compares sizes (big and little)

For 3- to 4-year-olds
1. Names colors
2. Names 4 basic shapes
3. Counts by rote
4. Learns and repeats songs and finger plays
5. Identifies animals and the sounds they make
6. Matches, compares familiar objects as to color, form, and size ( put all the red blocks in the red container)
7. Hears likenesses and differences in sounds
8. Describes pictures and tells actions
9. Knows age

For 4- to 5-year-olds
1. Names colors
2. Names 4 basic shapes
3. Shows interest in learning letters and numbers
4. Recognizes upper case letters
5. Recognizes lower case letters
6. Recognizes the numerals 1-10
7. Counts by rote
8. Identifies the various sounds the letters represent
9. Counts the correct number of items in a row
10. Matches a numeral with that number of items
11. Hears likenesses and differences in sounds
12. Sees likenesses and differences in pictures
13. Speaks clearly
14. Copies specific printed shapes or designs
15. Knows address
16. Knows telephone number
17. Prints first name without copying
18. Uses imagination and creativity in play
19. Problem solves

Children learn at different rates, but it is useful to have some benchmarks to help you, the parent, be involved in the teaching process. Educating a child is a team process that involves everyone in that child's life.

Beth Moran is an ECP teacher at Barnes Early Childhood Center and can be reached at 313-432-3803. She has a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education from Wayne State University. She received a Master's Degree + 40 credits, in Special Education, from Wayne State University, as well as her ZA endorsement. She taught Kindergarten, 1st and 3rd grades in Highland Park before having a family. She spent 22 years at the Grosse Pointe Pre-Kindergarten (10 as a director), before joining the Grosse Pointe School System in 1998. Beth's passion for teaching continues to bring joy to her life every day. Beth serves on the board of The Family Center.

Kindergarten Readiness Resources
Download PDF: "Keys to Language and Literacy" and more - presentation materials by Julie Bellovich and Helen Landuyt at the "Making a Successful Transition into Kindergarten" presentation on February 8, 2011.

Save The Date
"Making a Successful Transition into Kindergarten"
presented by The Family Center
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
7:00-9:00pm  Panel presentation followed by Q&A session
Barnes Early Childhood Center, 20090 Morningside Dr., Grosse Pointe Woods.  
Fee $5 per family
This annual winter school transition program will feature a panel of experts - followed by an open Q & A panel discussion. Beth Moran will be one the panelists for this special Ask the Experts presentation that will be offered to help preschoolers prepare for kindergarten.
Register online at www.familycenterweb.org or contact The Family Center, 313.432.3832.

Celebrating a Decade of Commitment to Community Families 2000-2010
The Family Center serves as the community's hub for information, resources and referral for both families and professionals. The Family Center is a non-profit organization founded to promote a deeper understanding of the role of parents and others in supporting our youth to become competent, caring and responsible community members.

All gifts are tax-deductible.
To volunteer or contribute, visit www.familycenterweb.org, call (313) 432.3832.
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The Family Center, 20090 Morningside Drive, Grosse Pointe Woods, MI 48236.