Tips For Preparing Your Child For Kindergarten
Kindergarten forms the foundation for a child's education, and in this day and age, kindergartners are expected to learn more than ever. Starting kindergarten is a big milestone for both children and parents, and the transition can be made easier if a child is prepared for kindergarten. Being prepared for kindergarten involves a lot more than just academic issues, such as knowing the alphabet or counting. A new kindergartner needs to understand how to navigate being at school on his or her own, with minimal help. If you have a child about to enter kindergarten, use the following tips to make the transition easier:
Work on Bathroom Skills
While most kids begin kindergarten when they are 5 or barely 6 old, it does not mean that they have great bathroom skills. If you have a student who will be entering kindergarten soon, it is in your best interest to work on basic bathroom skills before school starts. Make sure that your child is able to unbutton his or her pants and can also use the bathroom without any assistance. Don't forget to teach your child to always wash his or her hands after using the restroom.
Teach Your Child to Write His Name
Children in kindergarten enter school at all different skill levels. Some have gone through pre-kindergarten, while others may have never had any experience with early schooling. No matter what you personal situation is, it is always a good idea to teach your child how to write his or her name before kindergarten starts. Early writing skills are typically highly emphasized in kindergarten, so your child will have a leg up if h or she already knows how to spell and write his or her own name.
Remember that Kindergartners are Small Children
Kindergartners are learning more than ever in this day and age-- gone are the times of learning shapes and colors, kinders today are learning to read in the first semester of school. As a parent, it is easy to try to push a kindergartner to learn more. But while academic standards have changed for kindergartners, it is very important to remember that they are still small children. If you are preparing your child for kindergarten, make sure that you do not put too much pressure on your child, and let him or her know that you want him or her to do well academically while also enjoying other important aspects of kindergarten, such as making friends or learning to be more independent.
