Getting Ready for Kindergarten

As a result of developing a local preschool Spanish Program and owning a small teacher consultant business, I have had the wonderful privilege of working with preschoolers for the past 6 years. My experience has allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of how young children learn and develop. I have come to realize, it is never too early to begin preparing your child for school; the earlier the better!

Although our youngest daughter, Kellie does not start school until August of 2019, she will be turning 4 soon, which means time is of essence. This school year, I am focusing intently on preparing her for kindergarten, also known in our home as “Big Girl School.”

Here are a few of the concepts I’ve been working hard to teach our daughter. I’ve included tips that may help you as well.

1. Letter recognition and sounds. In order to build excellent reading skills, it is imperative that children can identify each letter of the alphabet and the sound it makes. Your child may get them confused at times but that’s okay. He’ll get better with practice.  It’s perfectly normal. Using flash cards and singing alphabet sound songs are awesome ways to teach this skill set. Be creative! Visit https://www.education.com/ for free preschool worksheets. Hooked on phonics is also a wonderful program to use.

2. Numbers and Counting. Identifying numbers and counting objects build strong Math skills, which you know are super important! You can teach this skill set using all types of methods. I use flash cards, worksheets, toys, puzzles and/or crayons (Kellie counts them). She loves it and we have fun together. Visit http://www.k5learning.com/ for more free printable math worksheets.

3. Handwriting. So far, I’ve been successful at teaching Kellie to write and spell her name and she’s a lefty. Yay!!!! That was a major accomplishment for this momma of 3! Anyway, I basically taught her to spell her name aloud first by repetition. Then, I taught her to write it by tracing the letters. Visit http://tools.atozteacherstuff.com/printable-handwriting-practice-worksheet-maker/, to make your own printable handwriting worksheets. Be sure to have your child practice tracing his/her name at least 3 times per week night. If your child is struggling to acquire this skill don’t get discouraged. He will get it in due time. Continue to remain positive and applaud his efforts.

Well, that’s all for now. Have fun making memories with your little one(s) and always value the precious moments you have with them.

Until my next post……

“In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:6

P.S.  Have you started preparing your preschooler for kindergarten? If so, how?