Getting Ready
Mathematics Kindergarten students will count, compare, and represent numbers in various ways, as well as explore the beginning concepts of algebra, geometry and measurement. You can help prepare your child for mathematics success by ensuring that they enter kindergarten able to recognize numbers to 9 or more, count objects in collections of ten, count in sequence to 10 or more, recognize and duplicate simple patterns, identify and name common shapes and colors, and describe objects with two or more characteristics. Many games you have at home or can purchase at the local store involve mathematical thinking.
In addition, many interactive games for teaching early mathematics skills can be found on the Internet by searching for“ kindergarten number games.” Most children enjoy playing with numbers and are thrilled to learn that it also brings them kindergarten math success.
Social development Following rules, respecting people and property, following routines, playing and cooperating with others, accepting others, finding peaceful solutions to conflicts are all skills crucial to your child’ s success in the classroom. You can encourage social development by providing structured opportunities for your child to interact cooperatively with other children and adults in the neighborhood, family or community settings.
Self-management Kindergarten provides many opportunities for children to follow rules and routines, manage transitions and materials respectfully. You can help your child prepare
for kindergarten by giving them responsibility for picking up toys, cleaning up play areas and caring for materials. Offer your help, but don’ t do all of the work! Personal care skills should be performed independently – especially toileting, dressing, hand washing, opening lunch / snack packaging, and eating. It is recommended that you send a spare underwear in your child’ s back pack for the first few months of school.
Fine motor skills Fine motor skills involve the small muscles of the body that enable such functions as writing, grasping small objects and fastening clothing. You can help your child develop fine motor strength by encouraging drawing using markers, crayons, colored pencils and chalk. Drawings needn’ t be perfect, and scribbling is just fine for developing fine motor skills. Other activities such as playing with clay, picking up small objects with tweezers or tongs, and snipping paper with scissors build fine muscle control and are enjoyable.
Gross motor skills Gross motor skills are important for major body movement, balance and coordination. Gross motor abilities share connections with other physical functions. A child’ s ability to maintain upper body support, for example, will affect his or her ability to sit upright in class and to write. You can help your child develop gross motor strength by encouraging activities such as movement to music, walking / running, swimming, riding tricycles / bikes, pushing / pulling wagons, skipping, jumping, climbing, crouching, swinging, sliding and navigating obstacle courses.
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