What your child needs to know and doesn't need to know before he goes to kindergarten.
The time has come: your little angel is ready to leave you for the big wide world of kindergarten. What should your child know before he goes? Some schools will want your child to know specific things. Be sure to contact your child's future school ahead of time and ask them what their requirements are for kindergarten. Most schools will not have pre-requisites because, after all, that is what kindergarten is for, learning the basics.
Try not to drill your child with things like ABC's and numbers. Make sure your child can at least say his alphabet or sing the alphabet song and you can even teach him to count his fingers. Don't put too much pressure on your child as it will make him nervous about going to kindergarten. The things that are most important for your child to know really have nothing to do with reading and writing and more with behavior and the tools to know how to handle themselves.
Your child should know how to tend to his own toilet needs. Usually kindergarten teachers will not want to be running into the bathroom to help your child, though they are usually very understanding about helping with zippers and buttons and such. Your child needs to know that he has to ask when he needs the bathroom. Some small children will have accidents just because they are uncomfortable asking the teacher to use the bathroom.
Taking turns is a big kindergarten activity. Make sure your child knows how to take turns, be fair in games and walk away from other children who may not have these skills. The last thing you want to happen is for your child to start kindergarten off on the wrong foot by becoming the class bully.
Listening to the teacher is one of the most important things your child needs to be prepared for. Usually this is not a big issue as most children will listen to other people much better than they listen to you and kindergarten teachers are experts at commanding attention. Teach you child to respect the teacher and follow instructions and don't be afraid to mention the principle's office if you think it will help.
Don't forget the fun. Kindergarten is the beginning of learning, but it is also a lot of fun. If your child knows to expect play and fun, he will be more likely to want to go to school and you will have less problems with separation. If possible, meet some of the children your child will be in class with and get them together beforehand, it will make the first day a lot less scarier for him and you.
