With Kindergarten registration beginning in communities throughout Bergen County, many of you are asking yourselves: is my child ready for Kindergarten?
While this may be an easy answer for some parents, others - particularly those with children whose birthdays are in the summer and fall - may need some additional resources.
Your child’s preschool teachers are an excellent source of information and advice in helping you make your decision. You should ask good questions about your child’s development skills, fine motor skills, gross motor skills and cognitive thinking skills. But do not let academic skills sets be the only deciding factor.
While this may be an easy answer for some parents, others - particularly those with children whose birthdays are in the summer and fall - may need some additional resources.
Your child’s preschool teachers are an excellent source of information and advice in helping you make your decision. You should ask good questions about your child’s development skills, fine motor skills, gross motor skills and cognitive thinking skills. But do not let academic skills sets be the only deciding factor.
Because of the national focus on improving education and meeting Core Content Standards, you might think that it is most important for children to enter kindergarten knowing their ABCs, numbers, shapes, and colors so they can keep up with the curriculum. While these academic skills are important, readiness skills are what sets the stage for your child's learning. Raising an eager learner is the ultimate goal, and it can be attained through play, socialization, and day-to-day activities.
Kindergarten teachers look for the following skill sets when evaluating incoming kindergarten students. You will notice the skills are not things you can force upon a child and practice. In addition to asking about your child's academic skills, ask your child's teachers the following readiness questions:
- Is the child eager to learn?
- Does the child have solid oral skills?
- Does the child have the willingness and ability to be independent?
- Does the child have good listening skills?
- Does the child have the ability to play with peers?
- Does the child have a good foundation of fine motor skills?
- And last, does the child have basic letter and number recognition?
You will know in your head, not your heart, if your child is ready for Kindergarten. Providing learning experiences daily for your children is preparing them to be active learners and positive citizens in our society.
About The Author
About The Author
Cheryl (Dunkiel) Berkowitz grew up in Bergen County and resides in her hometown of River Vale with her husband, son and daughter. Cheryl taught in Bergen County for 10 years (Gifted and Talented Education K-8) and prior to having children was an Assistant Elementary School Principal in Essex County. She currently enjoys practicing hot yoga and the challenges of raising two children.
