Getting Your Child Ready for Kindergarten

By Barbara Pronin, RISMedia Columnist

Kindergarten will open up a new and exciting world for your child – even if he or she has spent some time in preschool. That is because kindergarteners are generally challenged with more complex tasks, must make more efficient use of time, and may be asked to take on more personal accountability than they were during their preschool years.

At the same time they will learn new skills, be introduced to new ideas, and become part of a more diverse and well-organized universe.

From a panel of kindergarten teachers interviewed by the National Head Start Association, here are some proven tips for parents on the best ways to prepare your child for an enjoyable and rewarding kindergarten experience:

• Help them develop better listening skills – Read stories aloud and ask more questions; What was the name of the dog? What do you think will happen next? What would you do if this happened to you?
• Prepare them for differences in curriculum – Children should know there will be more group activity and less free play. There will be more indoor time and less outdoor play. Their time will be more structured and teacher-directed.
• Help sharpen their social skills – Talk about sharing and taking turns. Practice using words like, “please,” “thank you,” and “excuse me.” Encourage your child to be more independent about volunteering for tasks, raising their hand for attention, and putting their own things away.
• Develop their self-help and independence – Encourage them to make more choices about what they eat, wear or play. Add new responsibilities such as making the bed, helping with housework or feeding/watering pets and plants at home.
• Work on developing their self-control – Talk about ways to overcome frustration without crying or yelling; work on patience. Take more time to solve a problem. Ask for help when the work is difficult.
• Brush up on personal hygiene skills – Practice toilet habits and proper wiping. Stress the importance of covering a sneeze or cough and of hand-washing after using the bathroom.