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Daycare Center and Family Home Forum>Kindergarten Readiness
midaycare 06:40 PM 08-24-2015
So... I automatically do a preschool curriculum with all enrolled kids here. I am only allowed 6 in my state.
A mom here tonight who has the oldest child here (3 years, 4 months), starting asking me questions about being ready for kindergarten. All very kindly. She just wants to make sure dcg is prepared very well.
Well ... I *think* I have everything covered, but being so new, I don't really know, since I've never sent any dck's to kindergarten yet.
Would anyone care to share with me how you make sure the kids are "ready"? This could be any aspect of it ... Fine motor, gross motor, emotionally, speech, anything. I would appreciate some help from the pros!
A mom here tonight who has the oldest child here (3 years, 4 months), starting asking me questions about being ready for kindergarten. All very kindly. She just wants to make sure dcg is prepared very well.
Well ... I *think* I have everything covered, but being so new, I don't really know, since I've never sent any dck's to kindergarten yet.
Would anyone care to share with me how you make sure the kids are "ready"? This could be any aspect of it ... Fine motor, gross motor, emotionally, speech, anything. I would appreciate some help from the pros!
nannyde 07:02 PM 08-24-2015
Ask her specifically what curriculum they use at home first. You need to make sure they are getting her ready. It's not your job to get a kid ready for kindy unless you are being paid for schooling in addition to her daycare tuition.
midaycare 07:07 PM 08-24-2015
Originally Posted by nannyde:
Ask her specifically what curriculum they use at home first. You need to make sure they are getting her ready. It's not your job to get a kid ready for kindy unless you are being paid for schooling in addition to her daycare tuition.
I understand this train of thought. I think I could charge more ... at age 4 - preschool age here. Right now parents pay to cover the cost of the curriculum I teach. Indirectly because I charge them more than others who don't use a curriculum.Ask her specifically what curriculum they use at home first. You need to make sure they are getting her ready. It's not your job to get a kid ready for kindy unless you are being paid for schooling in addition to her daycare tuition.
kendallina 07:25 PM 08-24-2015
You could check your state's department of education's website. They should have info on kinder readiness, Ohio's has a very detailed list.
Of course these lists do not focus enough on the social and emotional factors that we all know are SOOO important, so don't forget those. I also have found out that FINE MOTOR skills are almost more important than anything they put on the list.
Keeping those things in mind, check the list.
BUT, at age 3-1/2 there really isn't much you could/should be doing except exposing her letters/numbers/etc. It isn't really appropriate to drill her on them or anything. Let her play, give her puzzles, read to her, rhyme with her. Give her playdough and other fine motor tasks. I don't start much with them until they're 4 AND ready.
Of course these lists do not focus enough on the social and emotional factors that we all know are SOOO important, so don't forget those. I also have found out that FINE MOTOR skills are almost more important than anything they put on the list.
Keeping those things in mind, check the list. BUT, at age 3-1/2 there really isn't much you could/should be doing except exposing her letters/numbers/etc. It isn't really appropriate to drill her on them or anything. Let her play, give her puzzles, read to her, rhyme with her. Give her playdough and other fine motor tasks. I don't start much with them until they're 4 AND ready.
midaycare 08:40 AM 08-25-2015
Originally Posted by kendallina:
You could check your state's department of education's website. They should have info on kinder readiness, Ohio's has a very detailed list.
Of course these lists do not focus enough on the social and emotional factors that we all know are SOOO important, so don't forget those. I also have found out that FINE MOTOR skills are almost more important than anything they put on the list. Keeping those things in mind, check the list.
BUT, at age 3-1/2 there really isn't much you could/should be doing except exposing her letters/numbers/etc. It isn't really appropriate to drill her on them or anything. Let her play, give her puzzles, read to her, rhyme with her. Give her playdough and other fine motor tasks. I don't start much with them until they're 4 AND ready.
Good to know. So I shouldn't feel "behind" then since I haven't started much teaching towards kindy yet. Just what the curriculum I have calls for, and lots and lots of play!You could check your state's department of education's website. They should have info on kinder readiness, Ohio's has a very detailed list.
Of course these lists do not focus enough on the social and emotional factors that we all know are SOOO important, so don't forget those. I also have found out that FINE MOTOR skills are almost more important than anything they put on the list.
Keeping those things in mind, check the list. BUT, at age 3-1/2 there really isn't much you could/should be doing except exposing her letters/numbers/etc. It isn't really appropriate to drill her on them or anything. Let her play, give her puzzles, read to her, rhyme with her. Give her playdough and other fine motor tasks. I don't start much with them until they're 4 AND ready.
Blackcat31 08:55 AM 08-25-2015
Being prepared for Kindy means different things to different people.
I teach and focus on self help skills, independence, patience, positive social skills, conflict management, verbal communication, honesty, dependability and responsibility.
If a child knows, understands and practices those skills, they ARE ready for Kindy in my opinion. The academic stuff can't come before that or there will be issues.
I do teach/use a curriculum but I don't force it, advertise it or require additional payment for it.
Parents all know, understand and usually have the same philosophies as I do in this area.
I teach and focus on self help skills, independence, patience, positive social skills, conflict management, verbal communication, honesty, dependability and responsibility.
If a child knows, understands and practices those skills, they ARE ready for Kindy in my opinion. The academic stuff can't come before that or there will be issues.
I do teach/use a curriculum but I don't force it, advertise it or require additional payment for it.
Parents all know, understand and usually have the same philosophies as I do in this area.
Annalee 09:16 AM 08-25-2015
Originally Posted by kendallina:
You could check your state's department of education's website. They should have info on kinder readiness, Ohio's has a very detailed list.
Of course these lists do not focus enough on the social and emotional factors that we all know are SOOO important, so don't forget those. I also have found out that FINE MOTOR skills are almost more important than anything they put on the list. Keeping those things in mind, check the list.
BUT, at age 3-1/2 there really isn't much you could/should be doing except exposing her letters/numbers/etc. It isn't really appropriate to drill her on them or anything. Let her play, give her puzzles, read to her, rhyme with her. Give her playdough and other fine motor tasks. I don't start much with them until they're 4 AND ready.
My state has a kindergarten readiness flyer on the education website also. At the beginning of school the kindys will take a "brigance test"....It is overwhelming to a new child and they are being told they can go outside when they finishYou could check your state's department of education's website. They should have info on kinder readiness, Ohio's has a very detailed list.
Of course these lists do not focus enough on the social and emotional factors that we all know are SOOO important, so don't forget those. I also have found out that FINE MOTOR skills are almost more important than anything they put on the list.
Keeping those things in mind, check the list. BUT, at age 3-1/2 there really isn't much you could/should be doing except exposing her letters/numbers/etc. It isn't really appropriate to drill her on them or anything. Let her play, give her puzzles, read to her, rhyme with her. Give her playdough and other fine motor tasks. I don't start much with them until they're 4 AND ready.
Of course it is letters, numbers, shapes, etc...but it is also body parts like heel, jaw, etc....so we work particularly on the parts that are not so much talked about....Also, if they get all 26 letters but miss one, they are discredited alot. And when they draw their little person, it has to have all body parts....neck, heel, jaw, etc or they get discounted there as well....not fair and I prepare my clients emotionally for this test because we, as parents, want our kids to excel....their child may score well or not, but it will still be ok.......my own sons teachers told me when they entered kindy the teachers never look at the test again after the first initial confrerence with parents....the test just gives a baseline for them to go on.
midaycare 10:19 AM 08-25-2015
Originally Posted by Annalee:
My state has a kindergarten readiness flyer on the education website also. At the beginning of school the kindys will take a "brigance test"....It is overwhelming to a new child and they are being told they can go outside when they finish Of course it is letters, numbers, shapes, etc...but it is also body parts like heel, jaw, etc....so we work particularly on the parts that are not so much talked about....Also, if they get all 26 letters but miss one, they are discredited alot. And when they draw their little person, it has to have all body parts....neck, heel, jaw, etc or they get discounted there as well....not fair and I prepare my clients emotionally for this test because we, as parents, want our kids to excel....their child may score well or not, but it will still be ok.......my own sons teachers told me when they entered kindy the teachers never look at the test again after the first initial confrerence with parents....the test just gives a baseline for them to go on.
Heel and jaw? Oh my word! My state has a kindergarten readiness flyer on the education website also. At the beginning of school the kindys will take a "brigance test"....It is overwhelming to a new child and they are being told they can go outside when they finish
Of course it is letters, numbers, shapes, etc...but it is also body parts like heel, jaw, etc....so we work particularly on the parts that are not so much talked about....Also, if they get all 26 letters but miss one, they are discredited alot. And when they draw their little person, it has to have all body parts....neck, heel, jaw, etc or they get discounted there as well....not fair and I prepare my clients emotionally for this test because we, as parents, want our kids to excel....their child may score well or not, but it will still be ok.......my own sons teachers told me when they entered kindy the teachers never look at the test again after the first initial confrerence with parents....the test just gives a baseline for them to go on.
kendallina 10:33 AM 08-25-2015
Originally Posted by Annalee:
My state has a kindergarten readiness flyer on the education website also. At the beginning of school the kindys will take a "brigance test"....It is overwhelming to a new child and they are being told they can go outside when they finish Of course it is letters, numbers, shapes, etc...but it is also body parts like heel, jaw, etc....so we work particularly on the parts that are not so much talked about....Also, if they get all 26 letters but miss one, they are discredited alot. And when they draw their little person, it has to have all body parts....neck, heel, jaw, etc or they get discounted there as well....not fair and I prepare my clients emotionally for this test because we, as parents, want our kids to excel....their child may score well or not, but it will still be ok.......my own sons teachers told me when they entered kindy the teachers never look at the test again after the first initial confrerence with parents....the test just gives a baseline for them to go on.
This is true...I hate the test, not sure if Ohio does the same one or not. Ours also has children identify coins on it! No one ever gets it right except for a few whose parents knew it would be on there ahead of time and drilled them on it...meaningless! Why would a 5-year old have to know what a dime is???My state has a kindergarten readiness flyer on the education website also. At the beginning of school the kindys will take a "brigance test"....It is overwhelming to a new child and they are being told they can go outside when they finish
Of course it is letters, numbers, shapes, etc...but it is also body parts like heel, jaw, etc....so we work particularly on the parts that are not so much talked about....Also, if they get all 26 letters but miss one, they are discredited alot. And when they draw their little person, it has to have all body parts....neck, heel, jaw, etc or they get discounted there as well....not fair and I prepare my clients emotionally for this test because we, as parents, want our kids to excel....their child may score well or not, but it will still be ok.......my own sons teachers told me when they entered kindy the teachers never look at the test again after the first initial confrerence with parents....the test just gives a baseline for them to go on.
Thriftylady 07:52 PM 08-24-2015
Originally Posted by nannyde:
Ask her specifically what curriculum they use at home first. You need to make sure they are getting her ready. It's not your job to get a kid ready for kindy unless you are being paid for schooling in addition to her daycare tuition.
This. Sadly it is starting to seem to me that the parents who worry most about things are the ones that want someone else to do it all.Ask her specifically what curriculum they use at home first. You need to make sure they are getting her ready. It's not your job to get a kid ready for kindy unless you are being paid for schooling in addition to her daycare tuition.
Controlled Chaos 10:31 PM 08-24-2015
I charge enough extra to cover the expectation of kindergarten readiness I emailed a few local kindy teachers in my district last year and the school mailed me their kindergarten intake assessment packet they use for incoming kindergarteners. It's how they place them in different reading and math groups etc. if you want to pm me I can message you some of my curriculum info and skill goals 
I emailed a few local kindy teachers in my district last year and the school mailed me their kindergarten intake assessment packet they use for incoming kindergarteners. It's how they place them in different reading and math groups etc. if you want to pm me I can message you some of my curriculum info and skill goals
spinnymarie 07:32 AM 08-25-2015
The common core standards for Kindergarten show what the kids should be doing by the END of that year. They include writing a paragraph, on topic, using correct punctuation, and reading at a level 3 (DRA score, there are different ways to score).
To have a good start, I make sure kids can write first and last name, cut on a straight or curved line, know all colors and shapes. We also work towards: knowing all the letters in the alphabet, including upper, lower, and sounds. Can read several or more high frequency words: a, I, if, in, it, you, and, the (etc). Can count to 25 or more, can count backward from 5, can recognize numbers to 10, can write numbers to 10. Can count objects to 10 (1-1). Can point at words 1-1 while I read them. Know the parts of a book and how to look at the pictures to 'read' it. Reading very simple books with songs or with one word at the bottom of the page.
Not to mention the social skills
To have a good start, I make sure kids can write first and last name, cut on a straight or curved line, know all colors and shapes. We also work towards: knowing all the letters in the alphabet, including upper, lower, and sounds. Can read several or more high frequency words: a, I, if, in, it, you, and, the (etc). Can count to 25 or more, can count backward from 5, can recognize numbers to 10, can write numbers to 10. Can count objects to 10 (1-1). Can point at words 1-1 while I read them. Know the parts of a book and how to look at the pictures to 'read' it. Reading very simple books with songs or with one word at the bottom of the page.
Not to mention the social skills
mommyneedsadayoff 08:26 AM 08-25-2015
Originally Posted by spinnymarie:
The common core standards for Kindergarten show what the kids should be doing by the END of that year. They include writing a paragraph, on topic, using correct punctuation, and reading at a level 3 (DRA score, there are different ways to score).
To have a good start, I make sure kids can write first and last name, cut on a straight or curved line, know all colors and shapes. We also work towards: knowing all the letters in the alphabet, including upper, lower, and sounds. Can read several or more high frequency words: a, I, if, in, it, you, and, the (etc). Can count to 25 or more, can count backward from 5, can recognize numbers to 10, can write numbers to 10. Can count objects to 10 (1-1). Can point at words 1-1 while I read them. Know the parts of a book and how to look at the pictures to 'read' it. Reading very simple books with songs or with one word at the bottom of the page.
Not to mention the social skills
I just dropped my kid off at his first day of kindergarten and after reading this list, I am so worried he will not do well! There are quite a few of those things he cannot do, so I hope he picks it up quickly. I guess I am just a worried momThe common core standards for Kindergarten show what the kids should be doing by the END of that year. They include writing a paragraph, on topic, using correct punctuation, and reading at a level 3 (DRA score, there are different ways to score).
To have a good start, I make sure kids can write first and last name, cut on a straight or curved line, know all colors and shapes. We also work towards: knowing all the letters in the alphabet, including upper, lower, and sounds. Can read several or more high frequency words: a, I, if, in, it, you, and, the (etc). Can count to 25 or more, can count backward from 5, can recognize numbers to 10, can write numbers to 10. Can count objects to 10 (1-1). Can point at words 1-1 while I read them. Know the parts of a book and how to look at the pictures to 'read' it. Reading very simple books with songs or with one word at the bottom of the page.
Not to mention the social skills
I miss him already
midaycare 08:36 AM 08-25-2015
Originally Posted by spinnymarie:
The common core standards for Kindergarten show what the kids should be doing by the END of that year. They include writing a paragraph, on topic, using correct punctuation, and reading at a level 3 (DRA score, there are different ways to score).
To have a good start, I make sure kids can write first and last name, cut on a straight or curved line, know all colors and shapes. We also work towards: knowing all the letters in the alphabet, including upper, lower, and sounds. Can read several or more high frequency words: a, I, if, in, it, you, and, the (etc). Can count to 25 or more, can count backward from 5, can recognize numbers to 10, can write numbers to 10. Can count objects to 10 (1-1). Can point at words 1-1 while I read them. Know the parts of a book and how to look at the pictures to 'read' it. Reading very simple books with songs or with one word at the bottom of the page.
Not to mention the social skills
That is very helpful, thank you!The common core standards for Kindergarten show what the kids should be doing by the END of that year. They include writing a paragraph, on topic, using correct punctuation, and reading at a level 3 (DRA score, there are different ways to score).
To have a good start, I make sure kids can write first and last name, cut on a straight or curved line, know all colors and shapes. We also work towards: knowing all the letters in the alphabet, including upper, lower, and sounds. Can read several or more high frequency words: a, I, if, in, it, you, and, the (etc). Can count to 25 or more, can count backward from 5, can recognize numbers to 10, can write numbers to 10. Can count objects to 10 (1-1). Can point at words 1-1 while I read them. Know the parts of a book and how to look at the pictures to 'read' it. Reading very simple books with songs or with one word at the bottom of the page.
Not to mention the social skills
midaycare 08:37 AM 08-25-2015
Originally Posted by Controlled Chaos:
I charge enough extra to cover the expectation of kindergarten readiness I emailed a few local kindy teachers in my district last year and the school mailed me their kindergarten intake assessment packet they use for incoming kindergarteners. It's how they place them in different reading and math groups etc. if you want to pm me I can message you some of my curriculum info and skill goals
Great idea! I know several Young 5 and Kindergarten teachers here I charge enough extra to cover the expectation of kindergarten readiness
I emailed a few local kindy teachers in my district last year and the school mailed me their kindergarten intake assessment packet they use for incoming kindergarteners. It's how they place them in different reading and math groups etc. if you want to pm me I can message you some of my curriculum info and skill goals
midaycare 08:38 AM 08-25-2015
Originally Posted by Thriftylady:
This. Sadly it is starting to seem to me that the parents who worry most about things are the ones that want someone else to do it all.
I wouldn't have thought to ask ds's dcp to do anything other than provide a safe place. But now...and in this town... It is expectedThis. Sadly it is starting to seem to me that the parents who worry most about things are the ones that want someone else to do it all.