Prepping your child for kindergarten is extremely important. There are certain skill sets and information they need to prepare for ahead of time, so they are able to learn along with the class and not fall behind. Most importantly, instill in your child a readiness and zest for learning. This way, they will have a positive attitude going into kindergarten. By the time your child completes preschool they should have an understanding of the following:

ABC, Easy as 1-2-3

While a lot of preschool may seem like it is all fun and games, there is also an incredible amount of mental, social and physical learning going on. Your child should already be familiar with the alphabet and how to spell their own name before they reach kindergarten. At home, practice the alphabet regularly by singing the ABCs, reading books, and writing uppercase and lowercase letters. They may even already have a love of books and their favorite stories by the time they enter kindergarten.

The Colors Of The Rainbow

Your child should be able to identify colors, shapes, objects and body parts. If you ask them, “where is your elbow” or “what color car just passed down the street” they should know the correct answer. You can practice with your child at home, identifying colors and shapes in coloring workbooks, with blocks and rings and illustrations in books. Talk about these things throughout the day, pointing out colors on clothing, objects on the street and body parts when getting dressed.

Count Chocula

By the time your child has completed preschool they should be able to identify numbers 1 through 10 and count past 10. As they count objects they will memorize the order of numbers. Ask your child to identify numbers when you see them in life like on a mailbox or how many steps you’ve climbed. Put M&M’s, Cheerios or other cereal brands in a bowl or plate and ask them to count how many there are.

Weird Science

Your child should have an understanding of plants, animals and the food they eat starting as soon as possible. Explain to them foods and the benefits of eating healthy, how things grow and to treat plant life and animals with respect. Going to the grocery store with them is a good time to review and explain this information. Bring it up while you are cooking, going to the park, petting zoo or caring for and playing with the family pets.

Game Changer

Your child should be able to run, jump, swing and play outdoors. You may even be giving them swimming, bike, roller blading, dance, music lessons and more. They should know how to toss and catch a ball, climb and mimic movements backwards forwards and sideways. Play with them at home, take them to the park often or an indoor jungle gym. Introduce your child to new games and let them make up their own.

Crafty Kid

Drawing, cutting with scissors, painting and sculpting are all crucial to your child’s development. Your child should be immersing themselves in the arts and crafts at preschool and at home. They should be able to cut with scissors, draw more than scribbles, paint and use glue to paste, and sculpt with clay and Play-Doh. Make sure your child has plenty of coloring books, blank construction paper, crayons, markers, paints and crafts at home to express their creativity and develop their skills.

Sharing Is Caring

In preschool your child will begin learning the importance of sharing, cooperating and working in a group. Whether your child has other siblings or is an only child make sure you are reinforcing good cooperative, empathetic behavior. Talk to them about their emotions and identifying feelings in a healthy constructive manner. If you notice selfish tendencies, show them how to be thoughtful by displaying this behavior yourself. Show them how rewarding it is when you lend a helping hand, clean up, are polite, welcoming and concerned with others comfort and feelings. Give your child jobs around the house like cleaning their room, making their bed and helping you with the laundry. This will help them understand contributing to a project goal and being part of a team if they are able to do this in a family setting.

Make The First Day The Best Day

Make sure your child is eating healthy, has proper hygiene, has routine health checkups, getting enough sleep, and is used to an organized daily routine before the first day of school. You should have all the supplies they need: backpack, lunch box, notebooks, pencil, pen, eraser and more. You may want to go shopping with them and purchase a special first day of school outfit and shoes to make them feel grown up and excited to begin. Be sure to take a picture of your adorable little academic before they go into their first class and share it with us on Instagram by tagging us @cordbloodregistry. They grow up so fast!

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only. Please consult your child’s healthcare provider directly for medical advice, diagnoses, and treatments. If you have specific questions or concerns about the health or development of your child, consult your child’s physician.