Kindergarten curriculum... Looking for what to teach...?

Question

I have a 4 yr. old kid and I'd like to start teaching things that he would learn in KG.. He know's his ABC's and 123's and some shapes/colors... What else should he know or be taught... ? Any information is greatly appreciated..

Answer 1

You could start teaching him to recognize some simple words. He probably already recognizes his name. If not start with that. Then use environmental print to help him recognize other words like Cheerios, STOP, EXIT, milk, etc. Make sure you point out the letters to him so that he is not just identifying logos (although identifying logos is a great first step in reading). Make sure he has writing materials (pencils, crayons, paper, chalkboard or dry erase board) so that he can practice writing his name and other letters or word. Invented spelling is fine so don't discourage it.

Don't neglect science. And science is a lot of fun! You can find a lot of simple science experiments on line. You can also combine with math and practice grouping things in appropriate categories: insects, trees, flowers, rocks, wood, etc. Use pictures from magazines or items you collect on scavenger hunts. And play Sink or Float. Let your child predict whether an item will sink or float in a sink full of water, then be a scientist and investigate his prediction.

Play board games to practice counting skills. And don't forget outside play. It's important for exercise and coordination. Also expose him to different kinds of music and singing. Rhythm, dancing and singing are very important. And of course, read to him a lot!

Sounds like you're a very involved parent. Go for it! Children learn best from hands on activities with support from involved parents or adults.

Answer 2

I work with Kindergarten teachers, I have been teaching for 15 years, The best way to find out what your local school system would like to see is call and ask. Most parents when they say they know their ABC's they know the song, but when asked to point to a letter and asked the letter sound, they don't know, which is the same as 1,2,3, can they count, when asked to give you objects, meaning taking 5 grapes(for example) do they give you exactly 5 grapes. The school system which I work in likes to see children know at least 16 letters before entering kindergarten and start to write letters, along with other areas of development. Your best answer lies at your local school.

Answer 3

Here is a link for the California Kindergarten standards. These are all the things kids are suppose to know in California by the end of Kindergarten.
http://www.cuesd.tehama.k12.ca.us/maywood/staff/jstout/k_stands.htm

Answer 4

I know your question is asking for academic things to teach but I wanted to add what we were told when we enrolled our son in K...
How to tie his shoes, use the toilet without assistance, put on his coat/ winter clothes, know his home telephone #, and write his first name.
They also had him draw a self portrait and looked at how much detail he included ( facial
features,neck,arms, hands, fingers,etc.)

Answer 5

most of what he will learn will take place within the Kindergarten it's self. Where he will pick up the things that you have taught him as well as his social skills, cognative, fins motor and emotional skills.

Answer 6

Basic phonics, sight words, and addition and subtraction are begun in K too!