Five Skills to Get Your Child Ready for Kindergarten

The question of how to get your child ready for kindergarten is a question that has been asked for many years, and the answer to that question has evolved over time. Oftentimes the answer is not exactly what one expects. God made each child different, so the expectations for each child can look different. However, there are some basic skills that are helpful for a child to know before entering kindergarten. These skills are not only focused on academics, but on personal skills, social skills, problem-solving skills, and fine motor skills. Here are five ways to get your child ready for kindergarten.

1. Personal Skills

It is helpful for children to know how to open things in their lunch boxes, take off and put on a jacket, use the restroom appropriately, blow their nose, clean up after themselves, and care for their personal belongings.

2. Social Skills

It is helpful for children to be able to work with others, follow directions, share, have a conversation, express themselves, listen to others, and empathize with others.

3. Problem-Solving Skills

It is helpful for children to know how to ask for help and also be encouraged to figure out another solution if something isn’t working.

4. Fine Motor Skills

It is helpful for children to be able to correctly hold a pencil, crayon, and glue stick. Being able to button and zip pants and coats is also helpful. The ability to draw basic pictures is beneficial as well.

5. Academic Skills

It is helpful for children to have phonemic awareness (the ability to recognize letters and know some sounds), to have an awareness of numbers and counting, be able to write their name, and know some basic shapes.

Every child learns and grows so much during kindergarten. It is a year full of learning to be aware of themselves and others, becoming a reader and writer, and learning how to be who God made them to be. Talking about school in a positive way builds confidence in your child. Parents can influence a child’s view of kindergarten in such a positive way by encouraging them and highlighting the wonderful parts of kindergarten. Helping your child to see that the teacher and parent are on the same team and there to help them learn and grow builds confidence as well. It is an extra special year full of so much possibility!