Listening to the radio on the way to school this morning, I heard the host interviewing a guest who helps secondary students get ready for college. While some of the advice included how to access financial assistance and how to apply to various institutions, there was also tips for the same areas as on a kindergarten readiness checklist! I could hardly wait until I got home to check out the company on-line and compare.
Sure enough, there it was in their program: sessions on foundational math, science and language skills. There was a vocabulary building plan and creative writing exercises. Students read 2 novels and were guided through discussions. The books for kids at this age are very much shorter, but it’s the same thing–parents and caregivers read a story to a little one and then ask “Was this a silly story? Do you think that…?” That counts as discussion. Reading and sharing books and stories builds vocab, too. Creative writing starts with imagination. Playing in sand and water develops foundational skills in math and science. The college prep program also included social skills. So does readiness for kindergarten: practicing getting along in a group, sharing, taking turns, etc. The level is different but it’s the same thing.
Sometimes, I feel like I’m swimming upstream. Yes, readiness isn’t one sided. Yes, schools need to be ready to take children at their level, not just have kids ready for school. It’s not just one or the other; it’s both at the same time. We can help children develop and prepare at the age of 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 years old. As the guest shared this morning on the radio, there’s even a readiness program for college. Wow, that was my good vibe for the day. Do you think it’s okay to work on readiness for kindergarten?
P.S. You can get your own copy of the Developmental Checklist for Kindergarten Readiness in the top right corner on the Home page.