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Saving Money on Preschool: Readiness Skills Needed for Kindergarten
By
Michelle Jones
As a mom of 4 who's youngest child is about to start Kindergarten this Fall,
I'd like to share with you some things I've learned about Preschool over the
last ten years, along with a list of readiness skills every child can be
learning at home - whether attending Preschool or not.
Preschools, especially those taught in a church environment, are a wonderful
resource that help prepare children for regular school. Not to mention they also
provide social interaction with children of the same age, and for a few hours
each week, a much-needed break for Mom. Overall, we highly recommend them!
There's just one catch - Preschool is expensive!
Though I truly enjoyed successfully home
schooling our first child for
preschool in 1994, by the time our next child was ready for preschool (in 1998)
I also had a toddler at home (our third child), and another shortly on the way.
My husband and I decided it was definitely time for some help, and somehow we
managed to put our second child through preschool, as well as the third. And the
fourth - as I've already mentioned, will be graduating this year.
If you'd like to send your child to Preschool but would like to keep the
costs down, try finding a school that offers just two days a week, that's what
we did. Of course home schooling would cost even less, but we realize that's not
an option for everyone - especially working moms.
Whether you choose to home-preschool your child or send him/her to a local
Preschool on a part-time basis, here's a suggested list of academic, physical
and social skills every preschooler should be learning. If your child will be
attending Kindergarten in the fall it would be a good idea to continue working
on these things over the summer. Kindergarten is a lot tougher than it was even
a few years ago, so the more prepared your child is the better off he/she will
be!
You will find that Kindergarten Readiness lists will vary but this is a great
list that covers the basics.
Academic Skills
Say the alphabet Recognize own name, and letters in name Recognize as many
letters as possible (A-Z) Count to 10 Recognize numbers 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,
8, 9, 10 Count items Name the basic colors (blue, red, yellow, purple, green,
orange, white, brown, black)
Physical Skills
Care for personal needs (Use restroom, wash hands, fasten clothes, wipe nose,
etc.) Catch item tossed underhand Walk up and down stairs Use pencils and
crayons Use scissors & glue stick Stack blocks Put toys and class items where
they belong
Social Skills (These are always a work in progress!)
Shares and takes turns Sits quietly and listens in group setting Follows
directions Demonstrates good manners while eating Respects other students and
adults Respects other's belongings and class items Expresses thoughts and
feelings clearly
And a Note About Reading.
Depending on your local school system, children now begin reading in either
Preschool or Kindergarten. It is very important that your child be familiar with
the letters of the alphabet and if possible, even the sounds each one makes.
Knowing the letters will make the transition to reading much easier.
Throughout the early school years, teachers will often remind you how
important it is to read to your children every day. You can make it a special
time by letting the child choose the book to be read, and ask them questions
about the story as you go - this will also help them develop good comprehension
skills, which are needed throughout life.
Enjoy these early years together, they grow up so fast!
Copyright © 2004 by Michelle Jones
Michelle Jones, author of Dealing with Debt and publisher of Living a Better
Life: The Money-Saving Tips Ezine, is a frugal mother of 4 who's dedicated to
helping families live a better life, not by spending more money, but less! If
you'd like a free subscription to her monthly Ezine please visit
www.BetterBudgeting.com for more information.
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