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Your child just turned or will soon be five years old. Do you think she’s ready for the big leap to kindergarten? “Academic redshirting” (holding a child out of school for a year even if she’s old enough to start) has become more popular, especially for kids who would be among the youngest in their class. The advantage is that the extra time allows a child to mature and to be better matched academically and socially to her classmates. The disadvantage is that if a child catches up to children her age as she matures, she may wind up bored in a class full of younger kids, which can lead to behavior problems.
Since kindergarten is the only optional grade, there are a few things to think about before enrolling your child. You should first determine if your child is eligible for kindergarten this year. All five year-olds may attend at their parents’ discretion. Usually four-year-olds who will turn five in the fall are permitted to begin kindergarten as well. However, many schools have age cutoff dates for 4-year-olds with fall birthdays so be sure to check with your school’s policy if your child will not be five when the school year begins.
Of course age isn’t the only indication of kinder-readiness. Transitioning from preschool to kindergarten is a monumental stage in a child’s life. While there is no perfect blueprint for kindergarten readiness, there are signs parents and educators can look for in the areas of concept, physical, social, and emotional development.
Concept Development
Your child won’t be expected to read, write or solve complicated mathematical equations when entering kindergarten. But it is helpful if your child can identify colors, some shapes, and be able to recognize their own name in print. Preschool and reading at home will give your child a great exposure to letters and numbers at an early age.
Physical Development
Good motor skills are an important aspect of kindergarten readiness. A kindergartener should be able to do the following:
•Walk up and down stairs independently.
• Use the bathroom (including knowing when they need to use the bathroom) and wash own hands independently.
• Eat and drink independently.
• Have enough coordination to hold a pencil and work scissors.
• Handle some fasteners on clothes and dress themselves with minimal assistance.
• Sit in one place for 10 minutes.
• Manage a seat belt.
Social and Emotional Development
In terms of social development, kindergarten readiness has three basic rules to go by, the ability to share, to take turns, and to answer questions with more than a yes or no response. Kindergarteners should be able to follow simple instructions, wait in line and participate in group activities as well. The student’s ability to speak clearly and express herself effectively (not grabbing, hitting, crying or whining) to make requests are also good indicators your child will be successful in school.
Other signs of kindergarten readiness are when your child can:
• Pay attention without getting distracted or interrupting others.
• Handles separation from you.
• Interacts well with other adults and children.
• Can control her temper when mad or frustrated.
• Is curious and eager to learn new things.
If your child has been attending preschool, her teacher should have a good grasp of her development and be able to guide you in your decision. In the end, though, you know your child best and what is best for her.
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