Kindergarten is a childhood rite of passage, where they start to build the foundation that will help guide them in their education all the way through high school. Clearly, it’s a very big, important step. That said, not all children will be ready for kindergarten at the same time.

While the law is that children must be a certain age to be registered, emotional maturity happens on a separate time table. In the same way that not all children walk and talk at the same time, readiness for kindergarten can also vary. A child will need to have certain social and cognitive abilities in order to thrive in this new environment away from home.

How can parents know when their kids are truly ready for a kindergarten program? What should they do if they aren’t? The staff at JLP Inspiring Minds has some helpful advice.

Ways To Prepare Your Child For Kindergarten

It’s hard to look at a new, sleeping baby and imagine them going off to school one day. However, it’s never too early to start small steps toward kindergarten readiness, such as reading them stories and engaging in interactive play. Other skills, such as helping out with simple chores or having playdates with their peers, will happen when they are a bit older.

Because classrooms run on a routine, it’s a good idea to implement one at home as well. Every household routine will look different, but it could incorporate things like breakfast, lunch, nap or quiet time, and reading and specific hours throughout the day. For additional social and educational activities, you can take your child to museums, the zoo, the library, or the park. These activities allow them to engage with the world around them, while not spending more time than is recommended looking at screens.

If your child is already part of a preschool program, you can reinforce what they are learning there by asking about it and recreating some of the activities at home, such as games or crafts.

Skills Your Child Should Master Before Starting Kindergarten

If your child is nearly five years old, they may be ready for kindergarten if they can master the following skills:

• Following a structured routine. Kindergarten is an environment where snacks and lessons occur at specific times, which is something that can be replicated at home.
• Able to follow simple rules. At home, children this age likely understand rules like helping set the table, putting toys away, and so on.
• Knowing who they are. For safety and practical purposes, your child should know his or her full name, as well as recognize the letters that form it.
• Sitting quietly for short periods. Reading to your child is one effective way to teach this skill, which will serve them well in a classroom setting.
• Understanding colors and shapes. This is another skill that can be learned from books, especially coloring books.
• Being potty-trained and washing their hands. As with any public setting, being around others means exposure to different germs. Your child should understand that washing their hands is a must after using the restroom, with minimal help from an adult.
• Able to communicate and regulate emotions. This can often be hard for young children, but it’s important that your child be able to communicate if they are sad or angry about something, so adults can help as needed.

Signs Your Child Should Delay Starting Kindergarten

Perhaps you are looking at the above list and realizing that your child doesn’t quite have all those skills mastered yet. They don’t have to be completely proficient in math and reading, as kindergarten is primarily defined as readiness and willingness to learn.

However, the classroom setting requires that children be able to demonstrate basic self-help skills in order to communicate with staff and peers who won’t know them quite as well as you do. They must be able to follow simple instructions, such as washing their hands before eating, so productivity is not slowed down.

Additionally, children who are hyperactive or disruptive may be a distraction to others and require another year of preparation before enrolling in kindergarten. This will allow them extra time to catch up with their peers.

What If Your Child Isn’t Ready Yet?

After following the steps we’ve recommended for kindergarten, some parents may come to the conclusion that their children just aren’t ready yet: academically, emotionally, or socially. The effects of starting kindergarten earlier or later are not significant enough to make or break your child’s educational future. Some children repeat another year of preschool before they move on up.

Ultimately, the decision of when to start kindergarten is one that each family must make for themselves, perhaps with input from your pediatrician or other professionals in early childhood education. Additionally, if your child has any specific needs, you’ll want to ensure that the school of your choice has the resources to be able to help them thrive.

Parents know their children better than anyone. Some almost-five-year-olds will be ready, and others will not. As long as your child is within the appropriate age range, you can enroll them in a kindergarten program when they are ready.

Kindergarten Programs In Tamarac

If your child is ready to start kindergarten, congratulations! This is an important milestone, so it’s important to choose a school that is right for them. At JLP Inspiring Minds, a private school in Tamarac, Florida, we are committed to nurturing the minds and creativity of all children. Our staff’s commitment to individualized attention and lesson plans catered to your child’s needs will help set them up for educational success in years to come.

Enrollment fills up fast, so don’t wait! Call today at 954-746-5437 to learn more.