The
skills that your child will need to be ready to start kindergarten
include knowing the names of colors, identifying some letters,
counting to ten, writing their first name, counting items, playing
cooperatively with others, following two to three part commands,
paying attention and concentrating, sitting for long periods
of time, and fitting into the daily routine of the school day.
Your child should also be able to listen to and understand simple
stories, spend extended time away from parents, dress himself,
verbally communicate his needs and wants, and be enthusiastic
and curious about new activities.
Not
all children are ready for school at the same time. If your child
is very immature or shy, you can take some steps to help in preparing
him for his first day of kindergarten, such as spending time
with and playing with other children (especially children who
will be in his class), taking him to see his classroom and meet
his teacher beforehand, or allowing him to take something special
to which he is attached with him to kindergarten. If you feel
that your child is still not ready to start kindergarten, you
can discuss the problem with his teacher and school to see if
accommodations can be made and to discuss the pros and cons of
retaining him for a year.
Keep
in mind
that many
professionals
recommend
keeping
children
with other
kids in
their same
age group
and not
holding
them back
a year.
Most children
seem to
be able
to adapt to kindergarten
and if
they are
behind
or test
low on
school
readiness
tests,
then they
may just
need extra
help once
they begin.
Being held
back usually
means that
they will
be one of the
older children
in the
class,
and this
can lead
to problems
in adolescents,
when these
older children
are more
at risk
for smoking,
drinking,
using drugs,
being sexually
active,
and dropping out. All
cases should
be considered
individually
though. |
