How to use the Toilet

Most of the k teachers I've spoken with seem mostly concerned with the child being able to separate from the parent and function in a classroom environment socially/behaviorally (follow basic rules, directions, interact appropriately with others, etc). The insinuation being that some kids are showing up without these skills, not due to a disability but rather due to not having any sort of pre kindergarten type experience. These are kids going into urban, full day, academic focused schools. It may be different in schools where kindergarten isn't 'the new first grade'.

So, basically, some sort of preschool experience- even if it's just sunday school or library story & craft time.

Don't eat the paste

Be Potty trained and have at least some ability to read.

This is my area if expertise. Studies show thàt children who enter school with more knowledge than their peers are only ahead for a short time. All of the choices listed can easily be taught in kindergarten, although great for families to work on some skills with kids to help them to be able to better communicate and understand their world. The best skills for a young child to develop are a positive self concept, love of learning, and social abilities. These are the foundations that encourage more positive growth and healthy learning.

Parents name, other than "Daddy" or "Mommy".
Address
Phone number(s)
More basic skills, (ABC's, 123's) have to be developed to get to that point.

How to wipe my nose on someones elses sleeve!

how to use the potty

Social skills

BlackCreekBearTRP1 wrote:How to use the Toilet

This

How to get along with other kids.

Can't start safety training too early. Pre-K kids need to know their name, parent's names, phone number, address. They also need to be aware of stranger danger, etc.

http://youtu.be/wIEBrb_wRYc

Mommy and Daddy can't be there with them everywhere all the time.

BlackCreekBearTRP1 wrote:How to use the Toilet

This, and to behave/respect authority at least enough to learn something.

how to talk.

MISRy wrote:Parents name, other than "Daddy" or "Mommy".
Address
Phone number(s)
More basic skills, (ABC's, 123's) have to be developed to get to that point.

this is what I was going to say

Speaking as a teacher that gets tired of doing it 50 plus times a day.... How to tie your shoes. The rest I can get too, but it really is a pain to tie shoes all day long.

my vote is for obedience... a teacher can teach, but a child has to be able to listen and obey for anything to be accomplished. not like a robot or anything, just a basic ability to listen and follow directions.

The most important thing to learn before kindergarten is... Not to go. Homeschooling is really the best. My kids learn(ed) at home, with a cyber school, and before that was an option, we did a correspondence school program, and I actually get compliments on my teenagers, who are relaxed, happy, and volunteer. Do read the latest studies on the teenage brain, and why the reactions we have at that time in our lives will stay with us fot the rest of our lives. And, as the kissin' cousin reminds us, the early days will stay, as well. My kindergarten teacher was a sweetie, but she had a brain tumor that they found only after we complained about her mood swings, God rest her soul.

Independent toileting including appropriate hand washing, how to follow directions and how to put on and take off their coat and shoes.

Social skills.

How to manipulate the teacher.

To listen to and follow basic instructions.

You can pick your nose and you can pick your friends, but you can't pick your friends' noses.

They should know that Kindergarten is not required in most states....STAY HOME FOR ANOTHER YEAR AND LIVE THE GOOD LIFE!

Manners, using toilet, first and last names, respect for adults

Play!