Kindergarten is an important milestone in a child's
life. After all, it's the first block in the foundation of education they will
build over the next 12 years. But many children have their first school experience
in preschool where they begin to develop essential skills. Here's how a
preschool should be helping your child to develop so that they can be on track
for kindergarten.
Responsibility
Be sure that your preschool is asking kids to be
responsible for their lunches, snacks and gear from home. "By the end of
preschool, most kids can take on full responsibility for all of three
items," says Vicki Hoefle, a longtime professional parenting coach and educator.
"When they do, it builds confidence, organizational skills and teaches
responsibility."
Rules
If your kid doesn't like rules, you're not alone. But
Hoefle says it's important for preschoolers to learn boundaries so when they
get into the kindergarten setting, they understand structure. She suggests
preschools invite the kids to help each other follow the rules, set up for
activities and participate in cleanup. "If kids are invested in the space,
supporting classroom rules and helping each other, they will be ready for more
participation in kindergarten."
Language
Preschool is an important time for educators to
work with children on developing their language skills,
incorporating lessons that will help them with items such as answering
questions in complete sentences, retelling the plot of a story and even
answering hypothetical questions such as "What would you do if you were
thirsty?" Dr. Adiaha Spinks-Franklin, a
Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrician with Texas Children's Hospital, says by
the time a child enters kindergarten, she should be able to know her parents'
first and last names, address and phone number and understand instructions
containing multiple steps, direction words and objects with descriptions.
Play
skills
A child entering kindergarten should know how to play
simple card and board games, and they should use imaginative and futuristic
play when playing with friends, Spinks-Franklin says. "They should be able
to take turns, share and negotiate," she said. "A kindergartener
understands rules in a game and how to follow them."
Leadership
Let your kids take the lead — and encourage preschools
to as well, advises Brown University researcher and child development expert
Richard Rende, who has conducted research with Elmer's about
the benefits of arts and crafts in education. "Creativity is promoted when
kids take the lead," Rende said. "The creative spark is lit when kids
try to figure out how to make things work on their own."
Confidence
in academics
It's important for preschool teachers and parents at
your child's age to help build confidence and self-esteem so they're fully prepared
to expand upon academic skills they should know at this age, says Frank Milner,
president of Tutor Doctor. Some of these academic skills they should know by
the end of preschool include looking at pictures and telling stories, counting
to 10, talking in complete sentences, identifying rhyming words, identifying
alphabet letters, sorting similar objects and bouncing a ball.
Independent
living
Sure, no one expects a preschooler to live on his own.
But learning independent living lessons in preschool can help set up a child
for success in kindergarten. Spinks-Franklin says children entering
kindergarten should be able to dress themselves, including buttons, zippers and
tying shoes. He should also be able to make a simple meal, such as a bowl of
cereal or sandwich and be able to brush his teeth on his own.
Fine
motor skills
Preschool may seem like it's all about fun, but at
this age through lessons, children are learning important fine-motor skills.
"Strong fine-motor skills strengthen finger muscles using play dough,
clay, scissors, tweezers, scrunching paper, etc., to make fingers strong for
cutting and writing," says Lori Becker, professor of Early Childhood
Education at Kaplan University.
Safety
lessons
Preschool is a great time to reinforce what moms and
dads teach at home about safety, Spinks-Franklin says. "A child entering
kindergarten should understand basic rules of safety — do not run into the
street, talk to strangers, walk away from parents in public places or take off
her seatbelt while the car is moving."
Happy
memories
One of the most important items a preschooler should
learn is how to create happy memories, and lessons at your child's preschool
present the perfect opportunity for this. "Smiles, laughs and some
silliness keep kids engaged," Rende said.
What important lessons does your child's preschool
teach that you think are important to a child's development?
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