Dear Parents-

              As many of you know, our teachers spend countless hours all year long assessing the children in their classes and preparing activities that will help each child grow and develop in a way that is appropriate for his/her age and individual needs.  We begin this process in the infant class and continue it through the very end of pre-kindergarten.  At this time of year, our three-year-old and pre-k teachers are preparing to conference with parents to discuss each child’s development and readiness for the next level (see schedule below).  We know that the parents of our threes and pre-kindergarteners are concerned with kindergarten readiness, so we are too. The good news is that most kindergarten teachers will tell you that most 5-year olds will be ready for kindergarten naturally.  However, there are certain skills that help a child to be successful that we work on daily here in preschool. The following is a list that was compiled by a kindergarten teacher to help parents understand what is expected and ways that they can help their children be successful in kindergarten.  If you have any questions or concerns about your child, you are always welcome to schedule a conference with your child’s teacher or me to discuss your child's progress.  Together we can provide an environment in which each child will be successful and prepared for his/her future. 

A child who listens

· to directions without interrupting

· to stories and poems for five to ten minutes 

    without restlessness

A child who hears

· words that rhyme

· words that begin with the same or different sounds

A child who sees

· likenesses and differences in pictures and designs

· letter and words that match

A child who understands

· relationships inherent in such words and up and

 down, top and bottom, little and big

· the classification of words that represent people,

 places, and things

A child who speaks and can

· stay on topic in class discussions

· retell a story or poem in correct sequence

· tell a story or relate an experience of his own

A child who thinks and can

· give a main idea of a story

· give unique ideas and important details

· tell a story or relate an experience on his/her own

A child who adjusts

· to changes in routine and to new situations without

 becoming fearful

· to opposition of defeat without crying or sulking

· to the necessity of asking for help

A child who plays

· cooperatively with other children

· and shares, take turns, and assumes his/her share

 of group responsibility

· and can run, jump, skip, and bounce a ball with comparative dexterity

A child who works

· without being easily distracted

· and follows directions

· and completes each task

· and takes pride in his/her work