What to expect when your child is a kindergartner
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What to expect when your child is a kindergartner
Early childhood experts tell us that five-year-olds generally share some common characteristics and abilities. Of course, every child is different, so your new kindergartner may be demonstrating some of these traits and skills already or have mastered some and not shown others. That's perfectly normal. Kindergarten is a time for lots of learning and your child's teacher is here to help!

A five-year-old often...A five year-old is learning to...
  • Is active, eager, and curious.
  • Is interested in stories, books, rhymes, pictures, games, and songs.
  • Learns by doing, observing, imitating, investigating, examining, and exploring.
  • Responds to praise and consistent rules.
  • Is becoming more independent and wants to make his own choices.
  • Has an increasing attention span but needs to change activities frequently.
  • Likes to talk and may enjoy being the center of attention.
  • Handle personal needs... go to the bathroom without help, wash her hands, blow her nose, feed herself, and button and zip her clothes.
  • Sit and actively listen for several minutes at a time.
  • Recognize some letters and phonic sounds.
  • Identify basic shapes (circle, square, triangle, etc.).
  • Follow two-step directions.
  • Talk in complete sentences.
  • Write his first name.
  • Sort objects by color and size.
  • Take turns with other children.
  • Count up to 10.