Transitioning from preschool to kindergarten is a milestone in every child’s life, since it signals the start of their journey through primary education and beyond. However, as excited as many parents can be at this important stage, it’s common to wonder whether your child is truly prepared for the next step. To find out more about what your child should know and skills they should have before starting school, and how you can help them develop them, take a look at the information below.

What a Child Should Know Before Starting Kindergarten

According to education experts, by the age of five, most kids should know their own name, be able to form relatively complex sentences, recognize patterns and sequences, count to 10, know basic colors and shapes, and to write a few numbers and letters.

In addition, they should have a range of basic independent skills, such as being able to eat and drink without assistance, use the bathroom and wash their hands, and to listen while others are speaking and speak in group settings.

Keep in mind that these are only rough guidelines, and every child will differ in their development. Some, for example, may show outstanding talent in mathematics while needing development in social skills, whereas others may show greater promise in literacy, artistic ability, and physical and tactile skills.

Although there is no single universal standard by which kids are ready for kindergarten, you can and should support their abilities and help them improve themselves prior to their first day of class.

How to Help Your Child Prepare

Some of the most important basic steps you can take to help your little one prepare for their first day of school are to read to them regularly and provide toys and games which help them develop numeracy and literacy skills. For example, you can sing counting songs together, share stories at bedtime, and encourage them to solve simple logic puzzles.

Aside from these steps, it’s important to give your child plenty of opportunities to become more independent and to develop the social skills they’ll need to flourish in the classroom. You can start by assigning basic responsibilities to your child, such as going to the bathroom and washing their hands without assistance, preparing simple snacks and drinks, and packing their own backpack.

Supplement your efforts to prepare your little one for kindergarten with help from the staff at Imagination Childcare Academy Inc. Offering a range of pre-K, preschool, and before- and after-school programs for kids from throughout Monroe County, NY, these early childhood education specialists are committed to helping children flourish in a fun, instructive atmosphere. Call (585) 413-3948 to speak with a team member, and visit them online to learn more about how they can help.