It isn't the 1990's anymore... and Kindergarten looks a LOT different now than what it looked like 30 years ago (yikes..has it been that long?!).
Let's start with just the basics... first most kindergarten programs back then were only half-day. And during those 3 hours the focus was on PLAY... building social skills for play with others and turn-taking, coloring and learning how to use scissors, signing the ABCs, and story-time. NOW, all of those skills are an EXPECTATION for entering K!
In an article, it was noted that "In 1998, 31 percent of teachers said that by the time a kid leaves kindergarten, she should know how to read. In 2010, that figure had increased to 80Â percent."
Let's just say... times have changed!!
For the better or worse, one could argue. But the fact is, standards are higher when entering and exiting Kindergarten, expectations are elevated.
So where does this leave you?
As the parent, you can partner with your child's preschool teacher or daycare worker or nanny or if you are the primary caretaker, you can help prepare your child for the reality of what school looks like.
This starts with preparing their brains and their bodies for learning. Because we cannot expect a 5 or 6 year old to read CVC words if they don't know letter sounds yet. And we certainly cannot expect them to write sentences if they can barely hold a pencil.
Here are some tips to get YOUR child ready to
learn and write in their Kindergarten year:
1). Build up their muscles first! Before a child can hold and manipulate a
pencil they need strong core strength and motor skills. So get out there and climb those monkey bars, crawl around, run, jump, get their bodies MOVING!
2). Foundations first. Before they can write the letter A, they need to
develop pre-writing skills. Learn more about those in this post.
3). Link reading and writing! Build their literacy skills by reading to
them, identifying letters while out and about, practice letter identification and letter sounds, sing rhyming songs, coloring, dot-to-dot sheets, sidewalk chalk, etc.
Do you see the trend?! All of these skills can be build through PLAY! Play is the most natural thing a child can and should be doing. Play builds learning and retention WAY faster than non-play activities. Play leads to skill building. It lends itself to trial and error. It engages the senses. Intentional play coupled with natural play opportunities will certainly set your child up for success!
Want to learn more?! Email kelli@handwritingsolutions.org or set up a free consultation here to get the tools you need for school success!
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