Kindergarten Readiness
Is My Child ready for kindergarten?
- Two of the most asked questions we receive about a child's readiness are "Is my child ready?" and "How do I prepare my child for Kindergarten?" We have posted some helpful information below in response to these commonly asked questions. Please get in touch with us if you would like additional information or would like to schedule a tour!
- At HLSPV, there is no rush to start a rigorous education! We do not encourage starting your child out 'early,' if you are in doubt, it is best to wait to begin formal education. As a rule of thumb, students applying for kindergarten must be five years of age by July 1st and have the signs of readiness listed below. Please read on to learn more.
- Preparing Your Child for Kindergarten:
- 1. Fine Motor Development – Strengthening hand muscles is important for fine motor skills used in writing and cutting.
- Activities that strengthen hand muscles include:
- Kneading play dough and bread dough
- Stringing beads
- Pushing sand
- Lacing (cards, shoes, etc.)
- Using tongs to pick up small items
- Exercising pincer grip by playing with Legos, small cars, doll clothes, etc.
2. Reading Readiness – Children who display signs of reading readiness are most successful in kindergarten.
One of the best ways to cultivate reading readiness is by enjoying quality children’s literature with your child.
Some signs of reading readiness are:
Some signs of reading readiness are:
- Recognizes rhyming words (e.g. What rhymes with “cat”? “fat” or “cow”?)
- Tells the meaning of simple words
- Uses left-to-right progression
- Recognizes most letters by name and sound
- Distinguishes beginning sounds in words
- Demonstrates the ability to listen to a story
- Answers questions about a story
- Writes some letters and numbers
- Counts objects using one-to-one correspondence
- Recognizes numbers 1-10
3. Social and Emotional Development – The classroom setting requires students to be able to function successfully
as part of a group.
Some important first steps toward this are:
Some important first steps toward this are:
- Knows full name
- Verbally interacts with others
- Exhibits self-control and a cooperative nature
- Recognizes authority
- Listens to and follows basic instructions
- Gets along and plays with other children
- Can work independently