my 4 year old...?

Question

how much stuff should my 4 year old know by now... she knows her alphabets already (memorized and can write it out), she can do simple additions now like 1 plus anything... worry that she might be behind her age group... what do they usually teach in kindergarten?

thank you for your answers in advance.

I want to thank all your wonderful answers... yes, my daughter's been compared to another child... it's annoying really and as a mother, you feel bad hearing things like "oh my daughter / son knows that already", etc. etc....

I wish I can give all of you Best Answers!

Answer 1

Your child sounds ready, willing and able.

Don't be worrying about anything. Your child is probably already ahead of some other children. There are no expectations when your child begins kindergarten. Just be sure to get her there on time in the morning and pick her up at the right time after school. Unless of course she takes the bus. Same rules apply.

She will bring home the usually drawings, paintings, or whatever her class project is for the day. She may also bring home some yucky left over lunch.

They may send an assignment home for her to do, with your help of course. Give her about 15 minutes to settled in with a snack. This gives her time to relax a little and come down from school.

Would suggest that you try to keep on a regular schedule so your daughter will know what to expect after school. This is your call as you know what is the best schedule for the both of you.

Don't get into the worry thing. How can you determine if your daughter is behind already when she hasn't even started. Have you been comparing with your neighbors kids during conversations you might have with them? If this is what is happening I would suggest do not include yourself in such conversations Every child is different and there is no way to compare.

Just send your daughter to school to learn along with having fun and meeting new friends.

Stop making it harder on yourself for nothing. Studies have shown all the before hand learning (Day Care etc.) doesn't make a smarter child. This would probably include you.

That's not to say the time you spend with you daughter is a waste of time. Those are the moments you two have time to spend together. growing and learning. There are other things to learn too. Take a step at a time. There's too much pressure put on us as it is.

Good luck to you in all future endevors.

Answer 2

Count your blessings! Nothing in your question indicates any problem. She sounds more than fine!

Is there a particular reason that is causing your anxiety?

(For example: Has someone, perhaps, compared your daughter with a peer who knows "more"? Or, do you currently live in Japan with heavy societal pressure to achieve?)
At the age of 4, the main concern should be whether or not your daughter is well adjusted, involved and happy in her class. If so, that is an accomplishment!

If your instincts as a mother indicate that there is some problem, discuss your daughter's development and behavior with her kindergarten teacher. An experienced teacher should be able to address your concerns and note whether there are any developmental issues.

Answer 3

With three that young I can imagine you are feeling overwhelmed, Try and see if you can get some help around the house. Also do not fixate on trying to getting everything done all the time. With that many little ones trying to keep everything neat and tidy all the time will just wear you out. Its just a matter of finding balance and I am hoping that your spouse is helping as well and your not just trying to do everything yourself. I kind of know what your going through in that my kids, though they are 19 and 17 now, are very close togther in age. Wife and I were run ragged when they were in diapers it wasnt until they starte kindergarten things kind of settled down. So there is light at the end of the tunnel once they are all in school (age) it will be a little easier until they hit teens then a whole new type of stress haha.

Answer 4

I will answer this question, but want to say we get this question a lot and I always think it tends to take the wrong approach to education. Education is not about whether your son/daughter is ahead/behind someone else. It is about whether you are able to move them on to the next thing or not AND still keep a love of learning.

With that said, your child is fine for her age. Find out what she's interested in and work through learning through that.

Matt

Answer 5

Sounds like your daughter is right on track, maybe even a little ahead, so don't be too concerned about academics. Read to her, draw, color, and cut with her, take her for walks, run in the park and climb and ride bikes, talk and listen, laugh together and cook together. Remember that she is learning in all these activities. She is developing social skills, a sense of humor, and creativity. She is learning that she is loved and she is learning to love. Encourage her to run and play, because exercise is important and fun. Enjoy her company and her charm. She will grow up too fast and you will wish she was little again! You are doing a great job, mom. Keep up the good work.

Answer 6

I have a daughter that just turned 4 and it sounds like yours is ahead, not behind. My daughter can say the alphabet and recognize the letters and colors. However, we have not reached the numbers yet. I would not worry.

Answer 7

They teach you how to say the alphabet, write it... They also teach you numbers, colors, animals, and stuff like that..I think your 4 yr old is actually ahead...Cause my sister is kindergarden and none of them know anything! Good job on your child..I bet she will be very very smart!

Answer 8

in kindergarden they teach how to read, and simple basic math. you child is ahread in math and will learn reading in kindegarden. you sre doing a great job.

Answer 9

Mine is 3 and can't write that stuff

Answer 10

does she know her shapes if she does then shes good since she knows the abc's and how to write them down.