If your child is currently in pre-k, then kindergarten is not too far away. There are several skills your child should be able to do before entering elementary school. The following five skills are essential to your child's success in kindergarten next fall, so be sure they are accomplishing these skills while in pre-k and at home.

Speak in Full Sentences

On average, a 4-year-old child asks 437 questions a day. Does your child ask questions? More importantly, does your child speak and ask questions in full sentences? Communication is one of the major skills your child needs to practice in pre-k, but you can also help develop this skill at home. When your child asks a question, ask them to repeat it in a full sentence. If you hear your child muttering, ask them to speak clearly by communicating a complete thought. Not only will your child feel heard by adults, but they will also learn new words as well as how to phrase a thought completely and thoughtfully.

Count to 10

Another major skill children practice in pre-k is counting to 10. If your child needs help with this outside of the pre-k classroom, this aspect of kindergarten prep can easily be done at home, too. Any time you have multiples of an object in your home, such as crayons, dolls, or legos, ask your child to count them for you. If they are reluctant or struggle, guide their learning by asking them to repeat after you. Demonstrate counting by putting objects in smaller piles. This skill is essential to continuing your child's education in kindergarten.

Identify Some Letters

Letters are everywhere. Whether your child is in daycare, preschool, or both, they are surely gaining exposure to letters and short words every day. If your child struggles to identify the letters of the alphabet, you can practice them at home, too. Print out letters with representative pictures and ask your child what the letter is and the sound it makes. This will take a lot of practice, and your child may grow impatient if they are struggling. A non-obvious way to go about identifying letters is by reading books with your child. Pull out their favorite read and ask about letters and the sounds they make throughout the book. This is a better way to engage your child if they are being reluctant.

Safely Use Writing Utensils and Art Materials

Another important skill for your child to practice in pre-k is safely using writing utensils and art materials. These materials include pencils, crayons, markers, scissors, glue, paint, and glitter. Your child's ability to use these materials is essential to entering kindergarten. They must be able to be trusted to use these materials without hurting themselves or other students.

Go to the Bathroom Without Help

Using the bathroom on their own is another skill your child must be able to perform before entering kindergarten. This is a skill that both daycare centers and pre-k classrooms teach children, along with your own potty training at home. This skill is essential to starting kindergarten. It shows your child has a sense of responsibility and can take care of themselves and their hygiene appropriately.

Along with your guidance, a proper kindergarten readiness program will ensure that your child will be able to accomplish each of these skills before entering kindergarten. Results show that children attending full-day programs did better on mathematics and literacy tests than children in a 2.5 to 3-hour public preschool program, and the achievement gains continued at least until the end of first grade. Knowing these facts, consider enrolling your child in a pre-k program that ensures they will be ready for kindergarten.

NOW ENROLLING

Make an appointment

HERE

5 Skills Your Child Will Need For Kindergarten

Recent Posts

What Are the Benefits of Daycare Centers for Families?

4 Benefits of Learning a Second Language at a Day Care Center

How a Daycare Center Will Benefit Your Child

PARENT TESTIMONIALS