Indicators of Child’s Readiness to Attend Kindergarten

Kindergarten is the first place for socialisation of your child. All parents should identify the best time for their kids’ readiness for kindergarten. It will influence their academic success . So, parents should keep in mind criteria that will be direct indicators of their child’s kindergarten readiness.

Social Skills

You should observe the way a child behaves, his/her desire to interact with others. He/she should show some happiness while interacting with other kids on the playground. Although, being a part of group of children all the time in the kindergarten may be confusing, at least some lack of communication should be obvious. Examine if a child is able to listen to others, or if he/she reacts to any emotional behaviour of peers.

Physical Skills

You should assess basic child’s ability to jump, run, and cope with any obstacles on his/her way. Some basic motor skills that will be beneficial while learning, like holding a pencil, or drawing some basic sketches. Check if he/she does not suffer from any illnesses, and a child shows some muscle strength and coordination, can move in a variety of directions.

Cognitive Skills

Cognitive skills are the most important criteria. They indicate child’s mental and psychological readiness for kindergarten. A child responds to your questions, asks his/her own ones. A kid is interested in listening to stories, and is active in completing them, expressing his/her own opinion regarding any events in a story. A child is not tired after some math or writing activities, and wants to go to school, the idea of school attendance evokes exciting emotions.

Ability to Self-Control

A child shows ability to sit still for a certain period of time. In a kindergarten they will have to sit and follow teacher’s directions and instructions, that’s why a child should have a certain degree of self-control and self-sufficiency. A child should be able at least somehow control emotions in situations where they should be silent.

The Reasons to Delay Kindergarten

Researches show that children who start attending kindergarten later, at least one year later, show better results in all facets. They are more attentive, show off more desire to take information. They experience less anxiety, and are able to control their behaviour more, so hyperactivity is not an issue.

Conclusion

Every child should be ready to go to kindergarten before parents decide to send him/her there. Social, cognitive, psychological and physical facets are the ones to consider before identifying child’s willingness to go to kindergarten. However, many scientists confirm that a delayed kindergarten attendance has only a good impact on a child’s future development and academic learning.