Kindergarten is the start of kids’ formal education, so they need to develop many skills. It’s important for them to separate from their families and feel confident in a new place.
Physical development includes learning how to move their arms and legs (large motor skills) and using their fingers and hands (small motor skills). Social and emotional development focuses on making friends and understanding feelings.
Social Skills
As children interact with peers, they learn how to play cooperatively and share and care for others. They also practice assertiveness and self-control. These social skills are the foundation for a lifetime of positive relationships.
Some children may have difficulty in navigating the transition to kindergarten, particularly when they have been exposed to recent trauma or tragedy such as a car accident or gun violence. These children often become shy and isolated, or they may display aggressive behavior out of fear or anxiety.
Parents, teachers and caregivers can help children develop strong social skills. They can start by modeling respectful and caring interactions at home, then introduce children to new environments such as preschool and daycare. Teachers and children can assess social skill levels using the SSRS-P, which includes subscales for cooperation, assertion, and self-control as well as an overall score from both teachers’ and parents’ ratings. Social skills are categorized as low, moderate, or high.
Self-Esteem
Self-esteem is a child’s evaluation of their worth, which can influence their feelings of satisfaction and confidence in themselves. It can also help them learn and grow. Children who have healthy self-esteem are resilient, have a positive sense of their own abilities and are better able to form relationships.
Kindergarteners are prone to comparing themselves to their peers, whether they wonder if they’re the best on the playground or the smartest in math class. Parents can foster their self-esteem by giving balanced feedback, encouraging them to try new things and offering simple responsibilities such as household chores.
Kids with healthy self-esteem are able to see that most challenges have hidden gifts, such as learning patience, persistence or a skill set. They can then move on to the next challenge with confidence. They can also ask for help when they’re struggling, rather than trying to work through the problem themselves. Creating a strong base of self-worth is important because it can carry them throughout childhood and beyond.
Communication Skills
Communication skills are a key component of social-emotional learning. In kindergarten, children develop these abilities through interaction with peers and adults. The no-prep activities, discussion questions and related skills in this post can help educators support these developmental milestones with their students.
Kids with good verbal communication skills are more apt to be able to resolve conflicts constructively and express themselves with confidence. They’re also better equipped to reach out for help when needed.
Help kids understand how nonverbal cues—including facial expressions, body language and gestures—can say as much or more than words. For example, an eye roll or a slammed door convey a negative message, while eye contact indicates interest and respect.
Teach children how to communicate in a respectful way by role-playing different scenarios and discussing real-life stories in the news or books. Also, encourage them to practice expressing themselves and sharing their thoughts and feelings with family members through verbal and written communication.
Physical Activity
Physical activity is important for young kids as it boosts their overall well-being. It keeps them strong and healthy, improves their mood and cognitive function, and helps them concentrate.
Children this age should be physically active throughout the day, including free play and structured activities. They should participate in moderate to vigorous intensity activities that make them sweat and breathe harder but they can still talk (like jumping rope or playing sports) three days a week.
The classic game Duck, Duck, Goose is a fun way to get kids moving. To play, choose one kid to be the Goose. The rest of the kids sit in a circle and the Goose walks around the outside, tapping each kid on the head and saying Duck. If a kid gets tagged, they have to chase the Goose and try to reach him/her before the next person tags them. The first kid to reach the Goose wins. Kids are more likely to participate in physical activity if their caregivers are doing it as well.