Starting kindergarten is a big milestone for children and their parents. To ensure that your child is ready for all kindergarten holds, there are certain skills they should have before they begin. These skills will help them succeed in school, but also in life!
One of the most important skills a child should have before starting kindergarten is the ability to communicate effectively. This means being able to express their thoughts, feelings, and ideas clearly, as well as being able to listen and understand what others are saying.
Kids should also be able to follow directions and be part of a classroom community. In a classroom setting, children will need to be able to follow a routine, consider others, and put away their toys and materials.
Kindergarten is also a time when children will begin to learn to read and write. Before starting kindergarten, your child should be familiar with the alphabet and have an understanding of some letter sounds.
Kids will also start exploring math and science in kindergarten. You will want to make sure your child is aware of numbers, colors and shapes, as well as counting to at least 10. You will also want to make sure your child has opportunities to build their higher thinking skills like critical thinking, decision making and problem-solving. STEM activities (like on the Ealrybird app) where your child creates, engineers, and builds are great for this.
They should also have the fine motor skills necessary to hold a pencil and be beginning to write their name. Your child should also have the motor skills to be able to do many of their daily tasks independently like zipping their jacket, putting on their shoes and opening their lunch containers and packages.
Kindergarten is also a time when children will learn important social and emotional skills. This includes being able to share, take turns, and cooperate with others. It is also important for children to be able to manage their emotions and work through social conflicts with their friends.
To help your child develop the skills they need before starting kindergarten, there are several things you can do at home. Reading to your child regularly is a great way to help them develop their communication and literacy skills. You can also encourage them to practice following directions and cooperating with others during playtime. The Earlybird app has over 400 simple educational activities you can do with your child to make sure they have the skills they need to be successful in school and in life.
Overall, starting kindergarten is an exciting time for both children and their parents. By ensuring that your child has the necessary skills before they begin, you can help set them up for success in their education and beyond.
If you want more information about the skills your child really needs, check out the milestone tracker on the Earlybird app.
Download the *FREE* Earlybird parenting app in the Apple app or Google Play store.
