How To Begin Preparing
For Kindergarten Readiness

Kindergarten is such an exciting time, but it is bigger than buses and backpacks. Honestly the list of requirements seem to grow each year. I know here in Ohio our kindergarten is all day long. There is more of an emphasis on academics, which is a good thing. Each school's standards vary, here is a list of what most school systems are looking for in kindergarten readiness.

Kindergarten Requirements:

• Child should be able to use a Pencil.
• Child should be able to use Crayons and Scissors.
• Recognize their Name.
• Recognize Numbers and Letters.
• Recognize Shapes, Colors and Sizes.
• Some schools expect children to know how to print their name.
• Identify when things look or sound similar and different.
• Retell a simple story in their own words and more.

My son's Elementary school required all of these and tested his kindergarten readiness. He passed with flying colors. Some of you who have toddlers now, before you know it will be their turn. You will want to help your child as much as possible to prepare. Here are some steps below to give you an example of some preparations.

How do I prepare my Toddler for Kindergarten Readiness?

• Craft Time, ALL the Time

  Children develop fine motor skills and multiple modes of self-expression through arts and crafts. It is important that you do not "push" a certain project on them. Just make tools available and allow them to process on their own. For example, they may not like the chalkboard, but love the finger paints. Allow them to dictate what they wish to create. It is fine to have a craft in mind once in a while for you to do together. Resist the urge to correct the lines or their work. The most important thing is to allow them to display their masterpiece prominently in your home. This builds self esteem. My refrigerator and office are so full of JeNoah's art and I love it!!

• Using Numbers

  Children will appreciate numbers more when you relate the numbers to them. Measure your child's height with a tape measure and mark it on the wall. As they grow show them how the numbers change. Allow them to stand on the bathroom scale and see their weight. Point out the numbers for your address or else phone numbers and the telephone. Play add and subtract with their snacks. Have a plate of apple slices and add or take away. The ideas are endless. It is great for kindergarten readiness to expose them to numbers.

• Music

  My son is a singer. He loves to sing and dance. Music uses the whole brain to process. So it gets more of the brain involved in the learning process thus increasing comprehension. It also helps, greater focus, long-term memory, and reading and math skills. Yes music does all of that! The best way to teach through music is to encourage listening. Have your child clap, march, sing and play instruments. Did you know that marching helps develop Math skills? it is not as important to "teach" music as it is to use music to teach.

• Reading Together

  It is so important to continue reading books from birth and on. Don't focus on reading the entire book from beginning to end. Make it a conversation and allow your child to ask questions. Repetition is important. It allows your child to ask more questions. Children who were exposed to this kind of reading scored higher in language.

• Letters, Letters

  Each time your child sees, hears or speaks a word, her language skills develop. The alphabet song of course is a good game. Try doing the "name game" with her own name and family names. Point out different items in your house and ask your child to "rhyme with it. Have your child identify words starting with the same letters. Put letters everywhere. those magnet letters on the fridge are the best. Create words together. Repetition is important so do this constantly with your child. These will be enforced in toddler preschool as well.

• Exploring

  A study showed that academic achievement requires mental stimulation at home as well as in school. Have your toddler routines help with the household chores. While doing the laundry have them sort by "colors" into piles. Also have them count the socks..etc. etc. It is very important to plan lots of "outside time". Keep the lessons coming. Talk about the sun or plants. Play "I Spy" at the park to see who can spy different bugs.

So preparation is the key factor to kindergarten readiness. So even as toddlers, keep in mind they are learning every day. It is our job as parents, to not only prepare but also to teach. It should not fall all on the teacher's shoulders. We must do our jobs as well!

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