Kindergarten is the New 1st Grade:
Is your preschooler ready?
Think back to your own kindergarten experience? Did it involve a half-day program and plenty of fun activities — like finger painting, sand play and nap time? Mine too. Likely the hardest parts were learning the alphabet and counting to 100.
Fast forward to today. Kindergarten still offers a fun learning environment, but it’s certainly more focused on academic achievement. Kindergartners often know the alphabet and have solid counting skills prior to the first day of school. If students aren’t reading at the beginning of the school year, they’re expected to be doing so by the end.
“Kindergarten is the new first grade” isn’t just an anecdote, it’s a fact. Researchers from the University of Virginia compared kindergarten and first-grade classrooms between 1998 and 2010. They found that kindergarten classes have become increasingly like first grade. More time is spent on academic instruction and, ultimately, higher educational expectations.
Each year an estimated 4 million children enter kindergarten. To help your preschooler improve her core learning skills, find fun, age-appropriate ways to help her learn. Here are some ways to help your little one be prepared for kindergarten and get her excited about school.
Educational apps
Children today have a natural knack for technology. While it’s important to monitor and balance screen time, the right technology can help educate kids. Look for apps where the learning is rooted in fun adventures or whimsical letter/number games.
Preschool Academy by IntellectoKids is a good example with over 50 educational activities in one app. Your preschooler will learn the alphabet and develop important skills like counting, sorting, logic and critical thinking — the foundations for math and reading. PBS Kids also offers a great selection of fun and educational apps for preschoolers.
Fine motor skills
Fine motor skills, also known as dexterity, involve the coordination and control of muscles to create small movements. This usually requires hand-eye coordination as well. Kindergarten readiness means having a basic ability to complete fine motor actions — like holding a pencil correctly, tying shoes and sorting small objects.
One of the easiest ways to support your child’s fine motor development is by providing opportunities to color and write. Make crayons and paper readily available and let kids’ imaginations take off. As they try to draw a bird, write a story or create patterns, they are really preparing themselves for the classroom.
Reading and conversation
Language is a heavy focus throughout the kindergarten curriculum. One way to prepare your child is to make reading a daily activity, including classics like “Chicka Chicka Boom Boom,” “Harold & the Purple Crayon” or “Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus.” Fostering a love of books can set the stage for learning important reading skills. Visit your local library, stock your bookshelf and download digital books.
Additionally, make time for conversation with your child. Both reading and speaking help children expand their knowledge of the English language. They’ll also learn important social skills, and you’ll also find yourself developing a deeper bond with your little one.
Preschool
Want kids to be prepared for kindergarten? Enroll in preschool a few days a week. This experience gives children the perfect foundation to prepare them for their educational journey. Preschools provide introductory education in writing and math, but it’s a lot of fun, too. Students have plenty of time to play and learn about the world around them.
What’s more, kids learn proper social etiquette and how to follow classroom rules. Being able to sit still, listen to the teacher, raise a hand to ask a question and interact respectably with peers are all important skills that your child needs to thrive in school. If preschool isn’t possible, consider joining a playgroup or visiting the library for story time. Also, encourage social interaction with new kids at the playground.
Knowing that kindergarten is more challenging than ever, smart parents are taking charge by introducing age-appropriate educational activities now. From smart apps to reading every day, you’re building your little one’s success in kindergarten and beyond.
