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 search-
ing 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
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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 develop-
ing 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 move-
ment, 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, walk-
ing/running, swimming, riding tricycles/bikes, pushing/
pulling wagons, skipping, jumping, climbing, crouching,
swinging, sliding and navigating obstacle courses.