What is a child suppose to know before entering Kindergarten?

Question

My child is testing to see if she can enter Kindergarten, I would like to know what can I teach her to be ready and pass.

Thanks a lot.

Answer 1

I 'm a part time Nanny for a lot of pre-school age kids, plus I went through this some years ago with my own daughter. It all depends on the state that you live in and the individual school. Every place is a bit different with their expectations but basically they should know their colors, basic shapes, the alphabet, and how to count. It's a shame that a child has to be tested to enter kindergarten. I feel that doing that adds too much pressure/stress at a very early age. What a way to start school!!! I always teach the kids I work with things that they need to know but I do it in a really fun way and it's always worked into a game of some kind. Kids need to be kids more and not over pressured to do/learn so many things all the time. What happened to the fun kindergarten from long ago? Now they have homework in kindergarten. SAD!!!!

Answer 2

It seems that you are trying to have your child tested so that she can enter kindergarten before she is supposed to. I really think that children should be allowed to just have fun and not be put under the stress of having to take a test to meet some type of standard. If you really feel that you want her to take the test, then have her take the test without any cramming ahead of time. The test is supposed to test what your child has learned throughout the past 4 years.......not what you cram into her in a week or two to prepare for a test. So, please, seriously consider giving her the extra year to be in pre-k or just stay home with you. There will be enough pressure later on in her life. Enjoy these days with her because she will grow up before you know it.

Answer 3

I'm assuming that if she is having to test for admission, it is because she misses the cut-off age. All children have a right to Kindergarten regardless of what they know if they are of age.(Here it is kids that turn 5 by 9/1, and kids that turn 5 within 30 days may test for early admission) (Of course, there is no "qualification" for entering K if they are of age, these only apply to those that are testing for early admission. )

In our district to pass for early admissions they must be able to at least read a list of basic sight words, count to above 30, etc. I would start with not only recognizing letter, but the sounds that each make (may parents skip this step). Then putting these sounds togehter so they can sound out basic words. The LeapFrog Letter Factor and Talking Word Factory Videos are great "introductions" to this that you can build on. Just make sure that you don't skip steps so that she has gaps. Don't just teach her to read that "m-a-p" is "map." Make sure she can sound out each letter and sound out the word. Then work on just instant word recognition. Check out http://www.starfall.com/


A lot of school districts post their curriculum online, I would try to look up what the K curriculum in your area is, since "No Child Left Behind" it is probably much more rigorous that you realize.

Also make sure that she ready in all other ways and that socially being the youngest in you class won't be a hinderous to her. Is she averaged sized, is she outgoing, etc. And if it is all day she will need to be able to be very independent, including lunch time. Can she open a juice box, etc. I would ask to observe a K classroom before making a final decision.

In our area, many parents choose private "transitional" kindergarten - it is geared for either kids that turn 5 before the cut-off and parents don't feel they are quite ready for K or kids that just miss being able to go. I don't know if that is an option financially or if it is available, but it may be something to consider.

Answer 4

I used to teach Kindergarten. Since laws are different, depending on where you live and whether or not you are entering a private school or public school, I will give you some marks the Pre-K teacher prepared students for our class:

Academically - letter recognition and sound, number recognition up to 10, counting up to 30, able to write first name, know basic shapes, days of the week, (logic) able to put puzzles together, draw and color neatly

Motor Skills - should be able to trace straight lines and circles, able to cut, sort objects, pattern objects, use glue

Physically - learning to tie shoes, zip zippers, button buttons, snap snaps, able to swing, skip, sing songs (and run, jump and play!!!!)

If your child can do these things, interact with other children, and follow instructions, she will be on her way to a great year of Kindergarten!

Now if she still has a few things to learn, that is OK too! They will teach her there. You can continue to work with her at home - great Mommy & Me time!

*Of note - The most important aspect of our Kindergarten program was reading.

Answer 5

As a preschool teacher, I talked to some of the Kindergarten teachers in my area to see what they would like the children to know before starting school. Many children do not have any learning experience before Kindergarten -- so K teachers should be prepared to teach your child whatever she needs to know. However, in our area, they do screening to see which class the student needs to be in. They are grouped by ability and previous learning experiences.

To answer your question, the teachers here would like for children to be able to

identify ABCs and some sounds
write letters of first name- First letter capital and rest lower
know parents names
identify shapes and colors
Count to 10 or higher

Although not necessary to know before entering school, they feel it would be beneficial for the children to know. These are the things I work on with the children at my school. I try to teach it in a fun way.

I recommend the following movie for anyone wanting to teach their child the letters and sounds they make.
http://www.amazon.com/Leap-Frog-Letter-Factory-Leapfrog/dp/B0000INU7C
It is available at Wal-mart and other stores. It is a fun way to learn the letters and sounds.

Answer 6

Call the school she is going to attend and request a meeting with the Kindergarten teacher to not only find out what she should be doing but to build a relationship with the school as a proactive parent.

Answer 7

you dont say what state and that and the particular school district are the biggest key

each state, district and sometimes the particular school have all their own requirements..depending on a variety of rules

on average a child should be able to seperate form the adult easily, be able to interact with other adults and children properly or at least be able to follow basic rules with some assistance, they need to be able to dress and undress themselves( teachers and aids will assist but with classroom counts over 25 or 30 its hard to get to everyone all at once) be able to feed themselves( see previous statement), and most schools are also either strongly suggesting/or requiring children to know how to recognize and write at least their first name-and recgonize the last name, be able to at least say the abcs and match or pick out others if not read some basic sight words, be able to count from one to at least 20 and recognize the numbers one to ten, recognize and name at least 8 basic colors and the same for shapes.

BEST BET check with other parents of last yrs kindergarteners and or the local kindergarten teacher or the school.

Answer 8

There is an entrance exam for kindergarten?hmm.
Well I think knowing their alphabet and counting 1-20 is good.
Writing their name. Knowledge of colors and shapes.

Answer 9

Contact your local school district to see if there are any "expectations". I know that they should know how to write their own name and (of course) be potty trained. Some places want the child to know how to tie their shoes, and know the alphabet.

Answer 10

You can contact your local school district and they will tell you. You can also check the board of education website for your state, it should have a scope and sequence for each grade. Try even contacting your local Parents as Teachers or head start group.