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As a mom of 4 who's youngest child is about to start Kindergarten this Fall,
I'd like to share with you some things I've learned about Preschool over the
last ten years, along with a list of readiness skills every child can be
learning at home - whether attending Preschool or not.
Preschools, especially those taught in a church environment, are a wonderful
resource that help prepare children for regular school. Not to mention they
also provide social interaction with children of the same age, and for a few
hours each week, a much-needed break for Mom. Overall, we highly recommend
them!
There's just one catch - Preschool is expensive!
Though I truly enjoyed successfully homeschooling our first child for
preschool in 1994, by the time our next child was ready for preschool (in
1998) I also had a toddler at home (our third child), and another shortly on
the way. My husband and I decided it was definitely time for some help, and
somehow we managed to put our second child through preschool, as well as the
third. And the fourth - as I've already mentioned, will be graduating this
year.
If you'd like to send your child to Preschool but would like to keep the
costs down, try finding a school that offers just two days a week, that's
what we did. Of course homeschooling would cost even less, but we realize
that's not an option for everyone - especially working moms.
Whether you choose to home-preschool your child or send him/her to a local
Preschool on a part-time basis, here's a suggested list of academic,
physical and social skills every preschooler should be learning. If your
child will be attending Kindergarten in the fall it would be a good idea to
continue working on these things over the summer. Kindergarten is a lot
tougher than it was even a few years ago, so the more prepared your child is
the better off he/she will be!
You will find that Kindergarten Readiness lists will vary but this is a
great list that covers the basics.
Academic Skills
- Say the alphabet
- Recognize own name, and letters in name
- Recognize as many letters as possible (A-Z)
- Count to 10
- Recognize numbers 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
- Count items
- Name the basic colors (blue, red, yellow, purple, green, orange, white,
brown, black)
Physical Skills
- Care for personal needs (Use restroom, wash hands, fasten clothes, wipe
nose, etc.)
- Catch item tossed underhand
- Walk up and down stairs
- Use pencils and crayons
- Use scissors & glue stick
- Stack blocks
- Put toys and class items where they belong
Social Skills (These are always a work in progress!)
- Shares and takes turns
- Sits quietly and listens in group setting
- Follows directions
- Demonstrates good manners while eating
- Respects other students and adults
- Respects other's belongings and class items
- Expresses thoughts and feelings clearly
And a Note About Reading.
Depending on your local school system, children now begin reading in either
Preschool or Kindergarten. It is very important that your child be familiar
with the letters of the alphabet and if possible, even the sounds each one
makes. Knowing the letters will make the transition to reading much easier.
Throughout the early school years, teachers will often remind you how
important it is to read to your children every day. You can make it a
special time by letting the child choose the book to be read, and ask them
questions about the story as you go - this will also help them develop good
comprehension skills, which are needed throughout life.
Enjoy these early years together, they grow up so fast!
About The Author: Copyright © 2004 by Michelle Jones
Michelle Jones, author of Dealing with Debt and publisher of Living a Better Life: The Money-Saving Tips Ezine, is a frugal mother of 4 who's dedicated to helping families live a better life, not by spending more money, but less! If you'd like a free subscription to her monthly Ezine please visit http://www.BetterBudgeting.com for more information.
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