As 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. We know that the parents of our threes and pre-kindergarteners are concerned with kindergarten readiness, and 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 child/ren 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.

What is readiness?

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 or 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

We hope that this list and the knowledge that we are consistently working on these skills with all the children from the moment they enroll helps to assuage your concerns and welcome any quiestions you may have.

Donna