Face it, this is kindergarten and many parents are wondering and worried about what should their child know before they start school. Have you goggled kindergarten readiness? Have you seen a recent kindergarten readiness checklist ? Well, before I started to write this blog I briefly scanned over a few list just to confirm my suspicion. What is that you may ask? That all kindergarten readiness checklist are not equal. However, there are a few skills that remain consistent among them. This means these are the basic foundation skills that teachers and schools deem necessary for kindergarten . Think of these skills as the "prerequisite skills" that students need to have a successful social and academic journey.
As a result, I came up with the acronym SMARTS, hence the name KinderGarden SMARTS. Each letter in the acronym stands for specific skills that future kindergarten students should possess for a smooth transition into kindergarten. These are skills that can be taught at home and later practiced and modeled in the school setting. When students are able to execute these basic skills, the classroom enviroment becomes less stressful for the student.
What does S M A R T S mean?
1. Skills - Fine and Gross Motor Skills
Skills - Fine motor skills generally refers to the small movements of the hands, wrists, fingers, feet, toes, lips, and tongue. Includes skills such as able to hold a writing utensil correctly (pincer grasp), hold scissors correctly (thumb on top), and cut out a simple objects or shape.
Gross motor skills -are the abilities required in order to control the large muscles of the body for walking, running, sitting, crawling , and other activities. Students should be able to walk heel -to-toe successfully, run in an adult manner and walk on tiptoes.
2. Maturity
Maturity - Your probably wondering, how mature can a kindergarten student be. Maturity for a kindergarten student is speaking in terms of emotionally. Transitioning into kindergarten is a huge step for some students and parents. Parents can ask themselves these questions to help them decide :
Do they get along with other children their age?
Can and will they participate in group activities?
How will they respond if they feel embarrassed?
Can and will they follow the classroom boundaries?
Will they have a meltdown if things don't go their way?
Read more about the basic skills children need to be successful in kindergarten.
3. Academics
Academics -As we all know the academics component for kindergarten has become rigorous over the years. Because of this many kindergarten checklist are filled with skills that parents believe should be taught at school. Unfortunately, with the time restraints teachers are forced to move through the early basic skills lessons rapidly. There are a few basic skills that students should know prior to entering kindergarten. These skills will also help the student transition into the learning environment.
-Recites the alphabet and is familiar with some of the letter names.
-Knows their full name and can write their first name.
-Can count 1 -10.
-Recognizes numerals 1 - 10.
-Familiar with shapes and colors.
-Writes using pictures or familiar letters.
-Recites or sings familiar songs/poems.
4. Responsible
Responsible - When your 4 or 5 year old enters kindergarten they will be faced with a reality check. Mom or dad will not be their to help them. They will have to basically be responsible for a lot of things that they never ever paid attention to such as carrying their backpack or lunch at all times, keeping their desk neat, staying on task while working, ignoring their peers, finishing class work and overall making good choices. If these skills are practiced before they enter kindergarten it makes their transition easier. This is what being responsible in kindergarten looks like.
5. Tidy
Tidy - Being tidy works simultaneously with being responsible in school. As I mention before your child will be responsible for cleaning their desk, throwing away papers and their lunch. They should also be able to put materials away, be self sufficient in the bathroom, dress independently (just in case they have an accident) and any other housekeeping duties that will help keep them safe at school.
6. Social Skills
Social skills - Social development is the process in which children learn how to interact with others around them. It is the foundation skills for appropriate social behavior. Here are a few social skills that are important for a successful transition into kindergarten. He/She should be able to:
-Express feelings and emotions in words.
-Able to follow verbal directions.
-Share, takes turns and uses nice words when talking to others.
-Have a very basic understanding of right and wrong.
-Begin to compromise or negotiate with friends during conflicts.
-Is more aware of others' feelings and shows empathy.
-Understands that there are consequences for their actions.
-Perseveres through tasks for a longer period of time.
-Can play games with simple rules.
Remember these are the basic skills suggested for a smooth transition into kindergarten. Start with these skills and slowly progress to other skills that my be on your kindergarten readiness checklist.
All of these skills can be taught at home in a fun learning environment. The skills above need to be taught to and modeled for all children. The sooner the better. Children learn from experience.
For resources and tips on how to incorporate these skills in your regular day and provide the basic skills your child needs for kindergarten sign up for our FREE MONTHLY NEWSLETTER.
Also try our pre kindergarten practice calendars. Practice the basic skills needed for kindergarten in a fun family friendly enviroment.
Happy Learning!
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