Kindergarten is a wonderful time of discovery and learning. For many children this will be the first significant time away from their parents if they did not attend pre-school or were not in a childcare setting for their first four-five years. Self-discovery and heightened socialization are major milestones during this year of school. Some students will attend only ½ day of school and for others they will jump right in to a full day.
The following is a very short list of some of the things your Kindergartner should learn by the end of the year. For a more in depth look check out “What Your Kindergartner Needs To Know from your local library, or purchase it through the Core Knowledge Foundation. There are plenty of other resources out there as well like the book- Kindergarten Success: Everything You Need to Know to Help Your Child Learn, which also discusses cognitive and emotional development.
The main focus in language arts during Kindergarten will be on beginning to Read and Write. Students will be read stories of fiction and poetry, and read books themselves such as beginner books from Dr. Seuss. Reading well is foundational to success in all other subjects, and a heavy emphasis will be made in learning phonics and putting letters together to make words. There is also a heavy emphasis on oral communication and learning those wonderful listening skills.
History and Geography will open up new worlds for your Kindergartner. They should begin to learn about the continents and oceans, Native Americans and early explorers. Becoming familiar with Presidents will help them to begin to understand authority figures, and chronology or sequencing of events.
If your school has a music program your Kindergartner may learn how to use simple instruments such as the triangle, or hand drum. They may join in special vocal performances one or two times during the year. I am a big fan of learning music, because through music the rhythms of life are explored. The famous philosopher Plato once said, “I would teach children music, physics, and philosophy; but most importantly music, for in the patterns of music and all the arts are the keys of learning.”
Math is a fun subject in kindergarten. Learning to count everyday objects and begin to acknowledge patterns are useful at this age. Your student may use measurements such as length and height to make observations about objects. Students will learn about money, and begin to identify geometric shapes.
In Science Kindergartners begin to learn about plant life, animals and the five human senses. Exploration of the seasons and weather are sure to keep your young learner engaged. Understanding the differences between living and non-living organisms and systems will also be a main focus. Lastly personal health care will be included in the curriculum.