How to Increase Your Child's Kindergarten Readiness

Starting Kindergarten can be such an exciting time, even if it starts off with a few nervous moments. Children are introduced to learning, following rules and being taught by someone other than mom or dad and gathering very important social skills they'll need as they grow. But for some children, starting school can be a scary time as they are put into a situation they simply aren't emotionally, developmentally or socially ready for. And if your child has any special needs you'll need to ensure she has what she needs in the classroom to set her up for success.

What is meant by 'Kindergarten readiness'? Simply put, it means understanding that just because your child is old enough to start school it doesn't mean she's ready to handle the dynamics of school and learning. Forcing her to go to school when she isn't ready can result in a lack of motivation, bad feelings toward school and a poor self-esteem. It's important that caregivers do everything they can to ensure a child is raring to learn as well as ready to participate in classroom activities.

How can I tell if he's ready to start school? There are several factors to consider before filling out that Kindergarten application. First there are the communicative factors: Is your child able to communicate? Does she understand what's being said to her and can respond appropriately? Is her speech strong enough to be understood? Is his hearing good? Is he able to 'hear' in busy and quiet environments? Can she express her needs in an appropriate manner? Next there are the social factors: Does she get along with other children? Does she play well on her own and with other children? What is her personality like with larger groups of people? Does she feel alright in the presence of other adults? Is her behavior and reactions to people, experiences and objects appropriate? Does she understand social cues and mutual play? There are also learning factors: Does she like learning? Is she eager to tackle new things? Does she pay attention? Can she hold a pencil, use a crayon or understand instructions?

Many children have learning struggles or other special needs that aren't apparent until they go to school. If you have any concerns in the above areas, or your child shows signs of fine/gross motor skills, sensory issues or behavior concerns, be sure to have your child assessed to either rule out or confirm any needs that could interfere with learning. Schools are able to, and supposed to, accommodate when a child has extra needs so be sure to express them.

How can I help my child prepare for Kindergarten? It's important for caregivers to understand that you decide when your child is ready, not the school system. Obviously, starting a child in Kindergarten when he's eight may be pushing it a bit but, generally, children can be anywhere between four to six years of age. Research has shown that a child who puts of going to Kindergarten by a year doesn't perform any better than a child who started earlier.

There are a few things caregivers can do at home to help a child get ready and be excited to start school:

Teach the basics. Show him letters, numbers, colors, animal recognition and other simple things. This is a good way to pick up on things such as Dyslexia, understanding what he hears or if there are visual struggles.

Read. One of the most important things you can do to get a child excited about learning is read to her. Reading promotes interaction, teaches a child effective listening skills as well as helps him fine-tune his attention span.

Playing through music and rhyming. Kids love music and moving their bodies and this is a great way to help develop language, mutual play and following instructions.

Playdates. Get your child out there socializing at the park or with other little friends. This helps prepare her for the highly social piece of school. Plus she'll learn important skills like taking turns, sharing, respect for others and personal space.

Go on 'field trips'. Take your child out in the community to learn about what's in her world. Open up the chance for learning by going to the library, museum, your local legislative building, or the zoo. Encourage him to ask questions and ask him a few too.

Start a 'school routine'. All children crave a set routine and structure. They may fight it, but it's something that helps them function properly. Start getting them up and moving at the same time each day as well as having similar times for snacks, play time, rests and meals. This helps your child understand how to work in a structured environment and learn to do what's expected of him.

Understanding factors that may affect your child's ability to learn as well as doing a few things at home before she starts school will help her thrive alongside her peers. And that will encourage a life long love for learning all children should have.