Getting Ready For Kindergarten

So, it's that time of year when parents of pre-kindergarteners start to think about their little ones going off to school. Kindergarten is not what it used to be and much more is expected of your little ones. Now days, most kids going into kindergarten are able to write the letters of his/her first name. Some are even able to write the letters of their last names. Most kids are able to cut across a piece of paper, and some can cut out shapes. The most common concern that I find parents having is that their child is not yet able to write their first name. Parents want their kids to have this skill and focus solely on teaching their kids how to write their names. They, as well as their kids, become frustrated by lack of progress. So, I am going to tell you what I tell them- some kids are just not ready to write their names. They just don't quite have the required pencil control to form letters. So, let's back up a few steps and work on the pencil control, then, once they get that, we can start to work on letters. Start by having your child draw straight horizontal and vertical lines across a piece of paper. Once mastered, have them draw these lines within pathways, trying not to cross the lines. Next, have him/her draw within curvy pathways. Try these on paper, with chalk on a chalkboard, or with paint. I will post next time about the next steps.

To improve a child's grasp, try a small, broken crayon (see post "school readiness skills".