One of the most common questions we hear is, “How can I get my child ready for kindergarten?”
After nearly 20 years of partnering with families in Bend, Oregon, we’ve found that kindergarten readiness is about much more than knowing letters, numbers or how to read.
While academic skills are wonderful when they’re developmentally appropriate, we believe the strongest foundation for kindergarten is social-emotional readiness.
When children feel confident, can express their feelings, build friendships and follow routines, they’re better prepared to learn in any classroom.
Some of the skills we focus on before kindergarten include:
- Following simple multi-step directions.
- Taking turns and cooperating with classmates.
- Expressing feelings in healthy ways.
- Recognizing and respecting the feelings of others.
- Solving problems with support from caring adults.
- Developing independence with everyday routines like putting on a coat, washing hands and cleaning up after themselves.
These skills help children feel successful from the very first day of kindergarten.
Parents also ask us whether their child should start kindergarten as one of the youngest students in the class or wait another year.
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Every child develops at their own pace, and every family has unique circumstances to consider. If your child has a birthday near the kindergarten cutoff, it’s worth having thoughtful conversations with your preschool teachers and your child’s future school.
In our experience, many families choose to have their child begin kindergarten as a newly six-year-old rather than one of the youngest five-year-olds. That extra year often provides additional opportunities for confidence, independence and social-emotional growth.
We also receive questions about testing into kindergarten early. While families should research their individual school district’s policies, we generally encourage parents to think carefully before pursuing early entry. The process can be demanding for young children, and in our experience, it’s rarely the best fit. More often than not, children benefit from having the gift of time to grow, play and develop at their own pace.
Above all, remember this:
Preschool and Pre-K are where they learn to LOVE going to school, not where they go to only learn.
Children don’t need to know everything before they start kindergarten. Kindergarten is where they continue learning.
Our goal isn’t to prepare children to be little first graders. Our goal is to help them become kind, confident, curious learners who are ready to participate, ask questions, build relationships and enjoy school. Those are the skills that last a lifetime.
Have a question about preschool or kindergarten readiness? We’d love to help. Contact School of Enrichment to schedule a tour or learn more about our programs for children ages 30 months through Pre-K.
Katie Brandow, LCSW
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