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Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Kindergarten, oh my!

One night at Church my friend gave me some paperwork that someone had given her. Requirements that children need to know as they enter kindergarten. BOY was this list a thorn in my side. I instantly stressed out. How in the world was I going to teach all of this to Abbie, she won't even sit still for more than 15-20 minutes at a time (on a good day!)

But in my worry, I made an effort to slow down, say a prayer and think for a bit. Abbie is 3 and she can already tell me 3 colors and 1 shape and she knows 4 or 5 letters of the alphebet, among other things. I'd say that's pretty good considering the very strong-willed child she is. So I thought I'd share these requirements for you today, incase like me you're running out of ideas to try with your young one's or you're just getting started...

When they enter kindergarten children should be able to...

Say their own first and last name
Say their parent's names
Hold a pencil or crayon like an adult
Hold scissors correctly and cut simple shapes
Button and zip down own clothing most of the time
Work on learning to tie own shoes
Identify 8 basic colors
Name shapes: circle, square, triangle, rectangle

Understand opposites
Big and little, long and short
Up and down, in and out
Front and back, top and bottom
Empty and full, hot and cold
more and less, fast and slow
over and under

Ready to read
Have been read to often and look at books
Pretend to read, like to listen to stories
Know some nursery rhymes
Say the ABC's, can name and recognize letters
Understand the words are read from left to right
Print own first name and recognize it in print
Understand simple words
Can repeat 6-8 work sentence

Don't worry, we are a child's first teacher. Teach in small doses and use a LOT of repetition and no pressure. Besides if you're homeschooling, you're going at your own pace anyway. This is just to give you some ideas. Today we're going to work on the Letter D and cutting shapes and some matching/opposites.

5 comments:

Unknown said...

That list is a guideline - don't let it bring pressure and stress. Every child learns differently, so I think it's unrealistic to expect all children to be on the same level. Learning should be fun, not stressed, so relax and enjoy the journey. :)

Jenifer Metzger said...

I agree with Lisa. It is only a guideline, not a requirement. And every child learns differently. And you my friend are a great mommy and great teacher. Your babies will learn what they need to know. :)

Kelli said...

I loved teaching Kindergarten to my kids! I love that they can read because of me!!;)

Heidi said...

That list is definitely just a guideline and I think you're doing great! I'll tell you this... all 3 of my kids started differently. My oldest had the list tackled and then some way before K, but my son really couldn't write until first grade. He was doing great at math and everything in his head, but ask him to write it... forget it. Now my youngest who is in K this year... I'm struggling just to get her to recognize her letters! They were all different, but the thing that is all the same is that they all will get it eventually :) Oh and one thing that changed my perspective about homeschooling is to stop comparing what my kids are learning and doing to what's happening in public/private school... it's not the same and will never look the same, but again what is the same is that they will all learn! Blessings Mandy :)

Phather Phil Malmstrom said...

Ah yes... The list. My wife Shannon taught preschool for a number of years Mandy, and from listening to her over the years I can tell you with some degree of certainty that while all children learn in different ways, and at different paces, they will get there nonetheless. I have no doubt that you'll nurture them along the proper path, and that they'll do just fine!

Have a Blessed Day!