What is Kindergarten Readiness?

With Kindergarten right around the corner for many of our children, I wanted to take a moment to discuss what it really means to be ‘ready’ to take the next step. Many people believe that the only way to be ready for Kindergarten is if the children know all of their ABCS, numbers, colors and shapes. And while Kindergarten teachers do appreciate it if the children come with some of these concepts, there are several equally, if not more important, skills that they are looking for the children to possess. Here are some examples

: • The ability to listen to and follow directions

 • The ability to regulate one’s own behavior and actions (self-control)

 • The ability to problem-solve

• The ability to work independently, but also the ability to work within a group

• The ability to develop positive friendships with peers and relationships with teachers

• The ability to count from 1-10

• The ability to recognizes familiar letters, such as those found in their names

We support the development of these concepts everyday here at SouthSide in a variety of different ways. It is our goal that the children who complete our program will achieve these skills and more, but above all we want our children to be excited about learning, and excited about going to Kindergarten!

With Kindergarten right around the corner for many of our children, I wanted to take a moment to discuss what it really means to be ‘ready’ to take the next step. Many people believe that in order to be ready for Kindergarten the children need to know all of the ABCS, numbers, colors and shapes. And while Kindergarten teachers do appreciate it if the children come with some of these concepts, there are several equally, if not more important, skills that they are looking for the children to possess. Here are some examples: • The ability to listen to and follow directions • The ability to regulate one’s own behavior and actions (self-control) • The ability to problem-solve • The ability to work independently, but also the ability to work within a group • The ability to develop positive friendships with peers and relationships with teachers • The ability to count from 1-10 • The ability to recognizes familiar letters, such as those found in their names We support the development of these concepts everyday here at SouthSide in a variety of different ways. It is our goal that the children who complete our program will achieve these skills, but above all we want our children to be excited about learning, and excited about going to Kindergarten!