What Is Readiness?
Educators often talk about readiness, but what is meant by this term? Typically, the term has been used to refer to developmental skills that a child should acquire before starting school. In today’s society, however, children are starting school at earlier and earlier ages, so the term readiness most often refers to the skills a child must master before he can learn to read and write – which usually happens in first grade or later. People are developmental in nature, and the readiness of a child begins at birth. We must crawl before we walk, make early vocalizations before we talk, and scribble before we write. The primary way that parents prepare children for later educational development is by interacting with their children. Beginning at birth, it is important that adults talk, read, sing, and play with their children.
During the first few years of life, young brains are in their fastest growth period, and vital synapses are developing between neurons in the brain. Each time parents interact with their children, they promote this important “brain wiring.” As you read to your child on a daily basis, you are providing her with important exposure to language. Children love being read to and may ask you to read the same book over and over again. Many children acquire early reading skills by memorizing books to which they have had repeated exposure. Your child will also greatly benefit from a literacy-rich environment at home. Surround your child with language as often as possible and in as many forms as possible — from phone books to recipe books, from notepads to index cards. The child should be offered a large variety of books and supplies to encourage early attempts at reading and writing.
Young children are normally exposed to other skills considered basic for readiness during preschool and kindergarten. Such skills include concepts of color, shape, size, position and direction, matching and sorting, and recognition of alphabet letters and numerals. It is also important for parents to support these basic concepts and skills at home through positive interaction with their children. It is important to remember that your child’s development takes place step by step and that there are vast individual differences. Although we recognize developmental milestones, there can be significant (and normal) differences among children, so developmental age should be emphasized rather than chronological age.
How Can I Help My Child Be Ready for Kindergarten?
Readiness Begins at Birth Parents and educators want young children to start kindergarten ready to learn and ready to benefit from the school experience. Being ready is a developmental process that begins at birth. The primary way that parents prepare children for later educational development is by interacting with their children. It is important that parents talk, read, sing, and play with children. During the first few years of life, young brains are in their fastest growth period, and vital synapses are developing between neurons in the brain. Each time parents interact with their children, they promote this important “brain wiring.” What Skills Does My Child Need? Remember that you are your child’s first and most important teacher. One of the best things you can do to support your child’s skill development is to read books with him frequently. When you read to your child on a daily basis, you are providing your child with significant exposure to language. Children love being read to and may ask you to read the same book over and over again.
Young children are normally exposed during kindergarten to concepts that are basic to later reading, writing, and math skills. These skills include color, shape, and size recognition, knowledge of positions and directions, matching and sorting ability, and recognition of alphabet letters and numerals. There is much you can do at home to help build a foundation for the concepts and skills your child will be developing in kindergarten. As you talk to and play with your child…
- discuss colors, shapes, and sizes that you see around you.
- describe positions such as “in/out” and “over/under.” • practice matching and sorting with common household objects.
- identify alphabet letters and numerals.
- also look for and point out these elements in books that you share with your child.
Your child learns best through active, hands-on activities — especially those which she finds interesting! When you talk and play with your child, you will be helping her get ready for kindergarten as you both have fun. Academic skills and knowledge are only one piece of readiness. Young children learn as “whole beings” – not only cognitively, but also physically, socially, emotionally, and creatively. Socialization is a big part of the kindergarten experience as children learn to communicate with others, express feelings, share, and work together. Without these skills, your child will not be able to successfully be a part of the classroom community of learners. Young children should be exposed to a variety of social experiences and situations before kindergarten, playing and communicating with other children of the same developmental level. It is important to remember that your child’s development takes place step by step and that there are many individual differences. Although we recognize developmental milestones, there can be vast (and normal) differences among children, so developmental age should be emphasized rather than chronological age.