What things should a preschooler should know to go to kindergarten?

Question

What things should a preschooler should know to go to kindergarten?

Answer 1

Your child is starting kindergarten this year and you begin to wonder if he is really prepared. You also make yourself feel better by telling yourself that its just kindergarten how much does your child really need to know? Well, these days kindergarten is much more about learning than it is about playing so there are some basic skills your child will need to know before entering kindergarten. Also, the more your child knows the more successful he will be and the higher self esteem he will have.

The Alphabet

One of the most important things your child should know before entering kindergarten is the alphabet. This means saying all the letters and recognizing them. If your child can write the alphabet then that is even better. But, your child should at least be able to write his name before entering kindergarten. Vocabulary is also important so the more your child knows the better.

Math

Basic shapes and forms will be taught in kindergarten so the more familiar your child is with these the better. Your child should know his numbers 1-10 if at all possible. This includes counting and recognizing them on paper. Additionally, basic math concepts like adding and subtracting will be introduced. So, if your child knows what two plus two is then he will be able to learn even more.

The World Around Us

The world around us is also a common theme in kindergarten. This means knowing the days of the week, months of the year, the weather and appropriate clothes, colors, holidays, and more. The more your child knows about the world and daily activities the better. These are all discussed in detail during kindergarten, but if your child ahs already been exposed to these details and has a basic understanding then his learning will be increased during kindergarten.

Teaching Your Child

You may be worried your child is not prepared for kindergarten and are wondering what to do. Instead of having a breakdown and submitting your child to a mini boot camp to prepare him for kindergarten you should start out slowly. Make sure you are reading educational books every day and talking about the meaning with your child. Ask your child the colors and to count. The more you make learning fun the more likely you will ensure your child is learning and that he will be ready for kindergarten.

Answer 2

write their name, count to 50 or so, mimick a block design of 4-8 blocks, know their parents real names, their phone number, city they live in and street they live on.  answer short questions from a 4-6 sentence story that is read to them, body parts like wrist, ankle, thigh not your normal ear, nose and fingers, all of their colors.  hope this helps.

Answer 3

Dd attends the #1 rated school in our province, so I was amazed when her kindergarten teacher said all she expected them to know was self-help skills (shoes, coats, pants on and off independently, toileting, etc.), to recognize their written name, and how to use a pair of scissors. Everything else they would learn in kindergarten.

Answer 4

Check with your local school district for preschool screening and what the kindergarten teachers are expecting the children to know when they get to school.

Answer 5

not to talk to strangers not to leave with no  one but mom and dad . stay in his or her sit and be quite and do their work if need help or need to go to the bath room raise their hand. tell mom or dad if some one is being mean to them .tell them not to be a fraid to come to you no matter what . let them know you are there for them .tell your child you are proud of them and you love them and you be there for  after school or if you are having some one to pick your child up make sure your child under stands who is picking them up and not to leave with no one else.

Answer 6

Preschoolers are expected to know alot more than they used too.  They should know right from left.  They should also know the names of their parents.  They should also be able to say the alphabet and recognize at least some letters.  They should also know their basic colors and shapes.  They should be capable of counting to at least 10 if not 20.  Also, they should be able to recognize the numbers 0-9.  These are all things that are taught at most good preschools.  There are some preschools out there that function more like a daycare so beware!!!  I would recommend sending your child to a Montessori preschool and elementary school if you can.  Just do a basic google search for preschool curriculum.  Hope this helps

Answer 7

how to spell and write thier name.

phone number

address

identify all letters and numbers 1-10

how to wipe hisself

button hisself

tie shoes

some writing skills

how to get along with others

how to share

Answer 8

I worried about sending my 3 yo to preschool this fall, knowing (as an educator) that it could not be beneficial for her at this age.  I was ill looking at all the academics now placed in a preschool environment.  (my dd is going to attend a "playschool").    

Too much is forced on children these days at young ages that they nearly "lose" their childhood.

At the preschool age they should be learning more social skills and independent thinking skills rather than academics.  Learning how to function and get along in a group.  Learning how to follow directions and listen to instructions.  Learning about others and why it is important to try to get along.  Learning about feelings and how to handle the feelings they have.  Learning respect for teachers and elders.  Learning about the world around them.  Exposure to ABC, Colors, shapes, & numbers should come in a fun and natural way of learning, if at all.    

My opinion here--the only good in learning academics early is the Kindergarten & 1st grade teachers have a much easier job (I know from personal experience!).  However, it could also make the child bored and thus could create behavior problems b/c they don't work ahead of the class.  If they finish with an assignment early than everyone else then they go to centers, color, draw or otherwise do busy work.  

I would much rather have a student in my class that is grounded in their emotions and able to say "oh okay no problem" when another child tells them, "no I don't care to play that game right now,"  than a child who knows how to write their name & ABCs but has emotional melt down one after the other for trivial things.  

Just something to consider.  Best of wishes to you!