Preparing for Kindergarten? Here Are 5 Important Skills to Develop, Says a TikTok Teacher
As summer approaches, many parents are beginning to think about getting their little ones ready for kindergarten. If you have a child starting this exciting new chapter, it may feel like you have a lot to accomplish before school starts. But according to an insightful TikTok teacher, you might be overcomplicating the whole process of kindergarten readiness.
You’ve probably done your research—Googled tips, read parenting guides, and even asked friends and family for advice. The common suggestions often include mastering the ability to write their name and memorizing a long list of sight words. However, Mrs. Johnson (@Amesmc on TikTok) emphasizes that children can pick up many essential skills over the summer without cramming too much information in their heads too fast. Instead, focus on these five key areas to prepare your soon-to-be kindergartener:
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Independence with Clothing and Bathroom Tasks
Mrs. Johnson highlights three vital tasks: Can they switch from boots to shoes? Can they zip up their own coat? Can they manage to wipe themselves after using the bathroom? While helping your child with these tasks may seem minor, remember that teachers like Mrs. Johnson manage entire classrooms of young children. If every student needs hands-on assistance, it can consume a lot of precious classroom time. Plus, would you really want a stranger to help your child in the bathroom when school starts? -
Developing Problem-Solving Skills
It’s natural to want to solve problems for your child to avoid tantrums or to maintain your schedule. However, every time you step in, you’re taking away a valuable opportunity for them to learn how to tackle challenges on their own. “Let them struggle,” suggests Mrs. Johnson. “We need to foster a growth mindset so they can face difficulties without becoming overwhelmed.” -
Understanding Playground Etiquette
“Visit the playground as much as possible,” Mrs. Johnson advises. Most of the social issues kindergarteners face occur during unstructured play. This means learning to take turns, waiting in line, and sharing toys without adult supervision. Allow your child to navigate these social situations independently—it’s a critical part of their development. -
Lunchtime Skills
“Can they open all the items in their lunch?” asks Mrs. Johnson. While teachers will be available to assist, wouldn’t it be better if your child could manage their lunch independently? Practice opening juice pouches, Go-Gurts, and other tricky items this summer. Start by partially opening packages and letting your child finish the job. Just keep in mind to avoid overly challenging foods during the first week of school, when everything will feel new. -
Enhancing Fine Motor Skills
Mrs. Johnson notes that fine motor skills are essential for writing and other activities in kindergarten. Engaging in activities like cutting, coloring, and playing with playdough can strengthen the small muscles in their hands, making writing easier and more enjoyable. Plus, your child will feel accomplished!
So, what should you do this summer? Ditch the worksheets and flashcards. Instead, focus on play, mealtime, and everyday routines to help your kindergartener prepare for this new adventure. It’s shaping up to be a fun summer!
Before your little one starts kindergarten, they should also be able to express their wants and needs verbally. Teachers will often inquire about their feelings or preferences. Additionally, they should know how to hold and interact with books properly. This doesn’t mean they need to read yet, but they should understand basic book concepts, like identifying the cover and turning the pages. Carving out reading time together will help them become comfortable with books.
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In summary, focus on practical skills rather than academic pressure. With the right preparation, your child will be well-equipped for their first day of kindergarten!