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Prepare Your Child to Enter Kindergarten

The skills that your child will need to be ready to start kindergarten include knowing the names of colors, identifying some letters, counting to ten, writing their first name, counting items, playing cooperatively with others, following two to three part commands, paying attention and concentrating, sitting for long periods of time, and fitting into the daily routine of the school day. Your child should also be able to listen to and understand simple stories, spend extended time away from parents, dress himself, verbally communicate his needs and wants, and be enthusiastic and curious about new activities.

Not all children are ready for school at the same time. If your child is very immature or shy, you can take some steps to helping preparing him for his first day of kindergarten, such as spending time with and playing with other children (especially children who will be in his class), taking him to see his classroom and meet his teacher beforehand, or allowing him to take something special to which he is attached with him to kindergarten. If you feel that your child is still not ready to start kindergarten, you can discuss the problem with his teacher and school to see if accommodations can be made and to discuss the pros and cons of retaining him for a year.

Keep in mind that many professionals recommend keeping children with other kids in their same age group and not holding them back a year. Most children seem to be able to adapt to kindergarten and if they are behind or test low on school readiness tests, then they may just need extra help once they begin. Being held back usually means that they will be one of the older children in the class, and this can lead to problems in adolescents, when these older children are more at risk for smoking, drinking, using drugs, being sexually active, and dropping out. All cases should be considered individually though.

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