Kindergarten FAQ’s: What You Need to Know

We’ve addressed some of the most common below, but don’t hesitate to contact us for clarification or if there are any other questions we can answer.

What should I do to get my child ready for kindergarten?

There are some very simple steps that can be taken to prepare your child for kindergarten. For example:

• Label everything! Labels and stickers are a great way to get your child excited for kindergarten, proud of their school supplies and organised for their first day.
• Practice classroom conventions. This can be as simple as raising hands and waiting their turn. A great place to practice this is at events at local libraries, which are often free and a great learning experience for young children.
• Be honest and open about the kindergarten process. The first day can often be a scary and confusing one, however it doesn’t have to be. Knowing what will happen and internalising that knowledge is an important step for your child that will help make that first day that much easier.

This is by no means an exhaustive list and if you’d like more information about preparing your child for school, check out our other blog for more guidance.

What reading level should my kindergartner be at?

This is a big question for many parents, and one that isn’t easy to answer. When it comes to early learning, sweeping generalisations are often more harmful than beneficial. Each child learns at their own pace and curriculum will differ from school to school. In saying that, the focus for most kindergartens will be on developing a familiarity with letter sounds, and from this building up their vocabulary with sight words (such as “said” and “was”). To give your child a head start at home, familiarise them with letter charts and, if possible, low level vowel phonic books.

Should I take my child to the centre before the first day?

A great way to minimise the butterflies on the first day of kindergarten is familiarity. Taking a guided tour of your centre can be an excellent way to introduce your child to the new environment and build an early connection with the teachers and facilities available there. To book a guided tour with ELC, click here.

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