July 2006
Parents often wonder if their keiki is ready for kindergarten. The following are some things which indicate that your keiki is ready to succeed.
Your child should know:
• His/her first and last name and is able to read their name. It is not important that they be able to write it.
• They should know their parent's names
• They should know their address and complete telephone number
Parents often think that the most important things their keiki should know when they start kindergarten are their colors, numbers, letters, and shapes. These skills are important but what is even more important is their social/emotional readiness.
• Can your keiki engage in imaginary play?
• Does your keiki have the confidence to try new things?
• Is your keiki able to work alone for short periods of time? 7 to 10 minutes is good.
• Has self help skills.
• Goes potty on his or her own.
• Washes their hands when appropriate.
• Can eat on his or her own.
• Cooperates with other keiki. This doesn't mean that they share all the time but that they play well with other keiki.
• Is able to stand in line.
• Shows curiosity about the world around them.
• Makes guesses about what will happen next.
• Is learning to finish tasks.
• Is learning self control.
• Can follow simple three part instructions.
• Helps with chores.
• Shows good manners, says please and thank you, at least sometimes.
• Is able to follow a routine.
Between now and the start of school:
• Read with your keiki daily. Ask questions about what you are reading. As you read follow the words with you finger so that your keiki learns that words flow from left to right.
• Talk about how things are the same and different.
• Have him do classification activities, sorting silverware or laundry, finding all the red blocks.
• Use the magnetic letters you have on the refrigerator to spell words (2 sets works best). Have a new word everyday and let your keiki spell words for you to "read".
• Practice cutting, stringing, dot to dot games and other fine motor development activities.
• Establish a regular morning routine that will be the same as when your keiki starts school.
• Read books about going to kindergarten.
• Talk about what kindergarten is going to be like with your keiki. If possible take him or her to visit the school. The more information they have the less scary it will be.
• Limit the amount of TV, videos and computer time to no more than one hour per day.
The first day of school take your child, kiss him or her goodbye, and walk away knowing that your keiki is ready and eager to learn. It's ok if you shed a little tear. Your keiki is growing up! Just don't do it in front of your child, it will only make them think something is wrong. Your keiki is looking forward to this big moment.
