Announcements

School Readiness

The 5 Building Blocks
Essential to Creating a Foundation for Kindergarten Readiness

Many parents of young children wonder if their child will be ready for school. You may have heard stories about the increasing academic pressure on young children and may wonder whether your child will be able to succeed. Being ready for Kindergarten does not mean knowing the alphabet, how to count, or able to write.

Being ready for Kindergarten means being ready to learn - able to separate easily from parents, able to pay attention, follow routine, transition well, relate to different children and adults, and express oneself. It is having the developmental maturity to cope with the school bus, find the classroom and the restroom, share the teacher, transition out of the main classroom for special activities, and handle lunchtime.

School success is achievement without undue stress. Regardless of age or intellectual capability, a child needs to be developmentally ready in order to have a happy, successful Kindergarten experience. You cannont teach or hasten the developmental maturity of your child. Each child matures in their own time just as they erupt their first teeth or take their first steps at different ages. While there is no "magic" collection of skills and abilities that ensure a child's readiness for school, the foundation of school readiness consists of five essential building blocks:

Positive attitude and approach to learning: Kindergarten-ready children have an open, curious attitude toward new experiences, and demonstrate independence, persistence and an eagerness to learn.
Language Proficiency: Kindergarten-ready children are able to express clearly their thoughts, feelings, experiences, and needs, and communication effectively with both peers and adults. They are able to understand and follow group directions, and a series of directions. They show an interest in and love for books, stories, and songs, and are able to concentrate for short periods of time in language activities.
Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills: Kindergarten-ready children are able to make choices, gain knowledge, and figure out problems on their own.
Social Skills and Emotional Maturity: Kindergarten-ready children need to feel comfortable with the teachers and other children, to be able to develop friendships, to share and take turns, to participate in group activities as well as be able to work alone. Children can succeed in school when they have developed a strong self-concept, when they feel capable and confident and are not afraid to tackle new challenges with an "I can do it" attitude.
Physical/Motor Development: Kindergarten-ready children should be able to take care of their own basic needs such as dressing, eating, and toileting. They should be developing gross motor skills through climbing, running, and pedaling, and find motor skills through the use of pencils, crayons, paint brushes, puzzles, etc.

Questions For Parents Considering Their Child's Readiness For Kindergarten

How easily and for how long can your child be separated from you?
How independent is your child?
What is your child's confidence in his/her abilities?
How well does your child express his/herself?
How well can your child understand stories, riddles, and jokes?
How long can your child concentrate without becoming distracted?
How well can your child follow directions?
How easily does your transition from one activity to another?
Does your child have the persistence necessary to complete a challenging task?
How does your child get along with others?
Is your child able to work/play independently?
Does your child enjoy group games?
Can your child take care of his/her personal needs?
How well does your child use his/her large muscles?
What is your child's interest in pencil and crayon activities?
How does your child feel about coming to Kindergarten?