Kindergarten Readiness: Is My Child Ready for Kindergarten?
Kindergarten is just around the corner. The summer months have parents asking: Is my child really ready for kindergarten? Most parents assume that their child is ready for kindergarten because he or she is 5-years-old. But your child’s kindergarten readiness depends on much more than age.
Kindergarten readiness means that a child has a strong foundation for the years of elementary education. Not only does your child need to be academically ready for kindergarten (know his letters, numbers, and writing his name), but your child needs to be socially mature in kindergarten as well. Foundational skills include being able to socialize, control his emotions, think critically, and take care of himself in the bathroom and at lunch. Kindergarten has changed since we were younger. Kindergarten doesn’t have playtime. By the end of kindergarten, your child will be reading and writing. Kindergarten is tough.
Parents need to be certain that their child can handle the demands of kindergarten before registration. Having strong kindergarten readiness skills sets your child up for a successful school experience for the next 18 years. You want your child to go into kindergarten with confidence. So ask yourself again: Is my child really ready for kindergarten?
The good news is that more and more parents are opting to delay their child’s entry into kindergarten. Kindergarten “redshirting” is becoming increasingly popular amongst parents who want school success from their child. Parents assume that all 5-year-olds have the kindergarten readiness skills after one year in preschool. But some children just need a bit more time to create a strong foundation for school readiness.
This blog was written by Mary Kall at Above All Therapy. If you have questions, comments, or need more information about funding and placement, please contact us at Above All Therapy.