Applying to and beginning kindergarten is an exciting time for a family! While many children may have attended preschool programs, the start of kindergarten often feels like the beginning of a child’s formal education journey. Many parents presume that the primary skills children need to be ready for kindergarten are early academic skills, such as beginning to read and write. While these are elements of kindergarten readiness, they are not the whole picture. 

The National Associate for the Education of Young Children explains: 

“While many of us focus on the basics of letter and number recognition or reading skills, kindergarten readiness encompasses more than a few isolated skills. We need to look at the whole child and all the skills and strengths each child has developed. That’s what makes them unique.”

Whether you are wondering if your child is progressing toward the most positive and successful kindergarten experience, or you are engaged in the admissions process and are curious about the types of readiness markers schools are looking for, understanding readiness in a holistic way is important. 

Educators typically consider school readiness in four categories: social-emotional, language, cognition, and motor development. While it is easy to focus on the significance of language and cognitive development when it comes to school readiness, the social-emotional and motor domains are also critical. A child’s ability to manage impulses, show patience, navigate transitions, and collaborate with others are just a few examples of social-emotional skills that play a key role in the ease with which they will navigate the school day and get the most out of the learning environment. Similarly, motor development impacts everything from a child’s developing writing to the stamina they have for the school day.  

There are many fun and engaging ways to support your child’s emerging school readiness at home! From family game nights to shared cooking projects, many playful activities can foster skill development across all four domains. The most important thing is to remember to focus on the whole child, not only on core academic tasks.

For more information on kindergarten readiness and how to support these important skills, join our workshop on November 19th!