Abstract: Preschool Simi Valley: Kindergarten
Readiness is more than just social and emotional skills but that is a huge part of it.
Preschool
Simi Valley. As early as 30 years ago, kindergarten was not included as a
grade level in public schools. Because of the success of the Head Start program, established
in 1964 by President Lyndon Johnson, the kindergarten grade was added to public
schools as early as the mid 1970’s. Where it used to be a place where
unschooled children learned more social skills than anything else, it has now
taken on the role of teaching the academics previously taught in first grade.
Now preschools are taking on the task of preparing children for kindergarten
and all that entails.
There are three skills that a child should have
mastered prior to entering formal schooling (or kindergarten): basic reading,
basic math, and self-regulation. A new kindergartener should be able to
recognize all of the letters of the alphabet, read basic (high usage) words,
and some word families. The child should recognize all numbers to 100 and add
one-digit numbers. Self-regulation encompasses a variety of skills which
includes: interpersonal skills,
self-control, cooperation, attention span, interest or participation in school,
task persistence, and exhibiting positive approaches to learning.
Many would argue that self-regulation is not
something that can be ‘taught.’ Preschool
Simi Valley teachers would agree but counter that it can be learned from a
specific regimen. That regimen is one they employ every day and have gathered
over 100 years of evidence through observation of transforming children which
confirms this philosophy. It is obvious that self-regulation is not something
that can be demonstrated, taught, and learned like reading and counting. It is,
however, perhaps the most important skill a child can master to insure success
in kindergarten and beyond. The ability to get along with others through
compromise and resolution of conflict cannot be neglected. The value of
sticking with a task until it is done and an independent work ethic cannot be
minimized. And, vitally important to success in school is having a positive attitude
about school which comes through making learning fun when they are young! Check
out Leap & Bound Academy in
Simi Valley to fully prepare your child for kindergarten – and beyond!
