5 Social Skills Needed for Kindergarten

What Social Skills Do Kids Need for Kindergarten?

Stacy Hensley
Kindergarten is a fun time for most kids. They feel more independent being away from their parents, and most kids enjoy socializing with the other children. Here are 5 social skills needed for kindergarten that will help the child have an easier adjustment to the teacher, classroom, and other children in the class.

Social Skills Needed for Kindergarten-Understanding Rules and Boundaries

Having an understanding and respect of the rules and boundaries in the classroom will help the child transition into school easier. Talk to your child before they enter school about right and wrong behavior. Knowing that it is not acceptable to hit, bite, kick, or talk when the teacher is talking ahead of time will help them be better prepared on their first day of kindergarten.

Social Skills Needed for Kindergarten-Sharing and Taking Turns

Children entering kindergarten need to know how to share and take turns with others. Most kids already know this by the time they enter skill, but it is always good to remind them how important it is in the classroom.

Social Skills Needed for Kindergarten-Playing in Groups

In kindergarten kids will spend a good amount of their time playing in groups. Preschool or a playgroup is a good way to prepare them for group playtime. This will also help them learn about taking turns and sharing before they begin kindergarten.

Social Skills Needed for Kindergarten-Being Aware of the Feelings of Others

Children that are beginning kindergarten will need to be aware that other children have feelings too. Explain to them that their actions can sometimes hurt another child's feelings. This can be done by showing them examples of things that could hurt someone's feelings, like taking away a toy that they are playing with.

Social Skills Needed for Kindergarten-Separation

Separation can be hard on a child that has never been away from their parents. Ask a family member or find a babysitter that you trust and spend some time away from your child. This will show them that even when you go away, you will come back. It will help reassure them that even though you won't be at school with them, that you will be there when the school day is over.

These are important social skills that are needed for kindergarten. Working on these social skills before your child starts kindergarten is one of the best ways you can prepare your child for the start of school.

Resources:

Learning milestones: Social skills

Published by Stacy Hensley

Stacy is a SAHM of 3 wonderful kids. 14 yr old twins (boy and girl) and a 7 yr old daughter. She writes about many different subjects, but she is often led to write about subjects that are important in her...  View profile

6 Comments

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  • Amy Browne8/10/2010

    :) here's a helping hand!

  • Not Quite The Stig4/9/2010

    What about bladder control? (Not a joke here.)

  • Yvette Testut1/26/2010

    Good article. I know it's hard for some parents to hear their child isn't ready for kindergarten but some kids need more time to develop these skills.

  • Karen Zakavec1/25/2010

    Preschool helped prepare my kids for kindergarten. They only went one year, but it was enough to make sure they were ready.

  • Pamela Gifford1/25/2010

    Separation is something that SAHM's really need to focus on before school begins. I know I'm having a hard time letting my four year old spend time here and there away from home but it's gotta be done! Great article.

  • Jenny Heart1/25/2010

    Excellent information! Kids in general need more preparation in this area. Well done!

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