tonnadesigns

I am a Library Media Specialist. I have Kindergarten through 5th grade. I have students who come to Kindergarten knowing how to read. I have students who come to Kindergarten without knowledge of colors, letters, or numbers. What do you think about a list of things they should all know? We could give it to pre-school parents. What would you put on the list? What would you leave out? I'm thinking of making a website about it and would like to know your thoughts. Thank you, Tonna

cjomomma

I also think they should know basic shapes. Circles, squares, triangles and ect...

Sadiemae

The schools in my area do have a list, but I am not sure what is on it. They do an assessmet on the day of kinder registration.

mom-6

With all the stuff most kids know it really surprises me that there are those who don't 'know it all' yet when they come to kindergarten.

Of course, those who have been in preK are so much better prepared than those who have not had that opportunity.

Just from what I've seen with my bunch, I've often felt that going by age &/or how long they've been in school is not the best criteria for placement of kids in a class. I know one of mine was really past the majority of the first several months of a particular grade, but not yet advanced enough to skip the entire grade. If there had been a 1/2 grade step up available it would have been ideal for him.

This same concept fits in with your 'what kids need to know before they start kindergarten'. Perhaps offering a summer program that would cover what is usually in preK...colors, shapes, letter and number recognition, using scissors, staying in their chair except when working in the centers, taking turns, responding to questions appropriately, etc.

tonnadesigns

We do an assessment also. But, in Missouri, Kindergarten is voluntary. The law says that a child does not have to enter school until 7 years of age. So, if a child knows nothing on the assessment, it means nothing. The tester may suggest the child stay home, but it rarely happens.
One of my friends has a child who entered K 2 years ago. He knew nothing. He couldn't color, couldn't cut, didn't know numbers or letters, etc... When I asked her about it, she said she didn't know he should have known some of that stuff. And as far as giving him scissors and crayons, she didn't want to have to supervise him, so he still can't draw or cut in second grade.

Pam

Manners!! Please, thank you and the rest!! I am appauled at what parents DO NOT teach kids. DO NOT flop on my couch or you will stand for the entire visit, or sit on my floor. Kick my dog and go to the car. If I see the crack of your butt at any point of your visit, your underwear will be around your ears. I am NOT willing to put up with what others are. Get a backbone. Tell them NO!!

Mimito2

The list ex-dil was given at registration in April.
Know shapes and colors
Know/write numbers to 20
Know/write alphabet,
Know/write full name
Know parents grandparents names
Know home address
Know/dial home phone number.

Chasing Hawk

Mine knew the alphabet, could count to 50 and were able to read.
I attribute this to reading to them while they were in the womb. I put headphones on my tummy so they listened to music.
I also continued to read to them since the day they were born. Also I didn't allow that silly baby talk around them. I limited tv and encouraged playing outdoors. All my kids had imaginary friends.

Pam

Romatic, but not realistic, 60% of kids are born out of wedlock with no real guidance. I raised mine and about 65 others. I am done with foster care and the whole shebang.
Feed and care, and then send them back to the demons that bore them.

thismomquilts

My children never attended preK but knew much more than the average Kindergartener - going to preK does not mean they will know more/or less than others. Parenting will determine what they know when entering Kindergarten - not schooling necessarily. My daughter was reading at 3 at a first grade level... She knew ABC's by the time she was 18 months old, said her first word at five months and could talk in complete sensible sentences when she was one year old. Granted my boys were not at the same level at the same ages, but they did know as much as, if not more, than the average beginning Kindergartener when the time came.