Kindergarten Readiness
How Tiger Paw is Preparing Students for Kindergarten
Kindergarten readiness isn’t all about ABCs and 123s. Yes, those are important. But you know what can be more valuable when a child starts kindergarten? Knowing how to express your feelings. Knowing how to play with others. Knowing how to follow simple directions and routines. Knowing how to sit and listen.
And that’s exactly what preschoolers at Tiger Paw Early Childhood Center are focusing on.
“When you think of preschool, you probably think about learning letters, numbers, colors and shapes. And while those are very important skills that we do target, there are many other skills that we focus on to help them get the most ready to be successful for kindergarten,” said Tiger Paw Principal Dr. Elizabeth Dawson.
“When you think of preschool, you probably think about learning letters, numbers, colors and shapes. And while those are very important skills that we do target, there are many other skills that we focus on to help them get the most ready to be successful for kindergarten."
Dr. Elizabeth Dawson
Tiger Paw Principal
Develop independence during activities, routines and play
Following routines independently, such as transitioning from one location to another or being able to follow an assignment, is a much-needed skill for kindergarten.
Sustain attention to a task or activity that is age appropriate
Sitting and listening for 10 minutes might not sound like a tall task, but for a 4-year-old, it is huge. This is an important skill for kindergarten so students can learn and not be a distraction to others.
“If students can’t focus, they can’t learn. That’s why Tiger Paw focuses on being able to sustain attention in a group setting so that students can learn concepts presented by their teacher,” Tiger Paw Assistant Principal Ashley Penrod said.
Express feelings through appropriate gestures, actions and language
Wiggly, sad, excited — preschoolers have very big emotions that they often don’t know how to deal with. Expressing feelings appropriately is a big part of being ready for kindergarten.
“We talk a lot about emotional regulation and helping our students process their emotions,” Tiger Paw teacher Kacee Levesque said. “We’re really trying to help them recognize how they’re feeling and how they can express that in a school-appropriate way.”
Participates successfully as a member of a group
Waiting your turn, playing games with peers and interacting socially in a group are all vital parts of being successful in kindergarten.
Initiate and respond appropriately in conversations and discussions
You never know what you might overhear in the lunch room at Tiger Paw. But these discussions among preschoolers are more than just entertainment.
“Strong conversational skills build a great foundation for children to be able to use their language across the whole school setting, including reading, math and spelling,” said Kerri Loveland, speech-language pathologist at Tiger Paw. “It fosters good relationships with both staff and with their peers to get their wants and needs met in all areas.”