The ultimate goal in kindergarten is to do the preliminary work that leads a student to being able to read. The key building blocks that make up these prerequisites include the following: Kindergartners learn the alphabet first, then they learn how to sound out each letter of the alphabet. The letters of the alphabet and sounds must be second nature to students before they can proceed. Next the children must learn how to blend the letters together to form three-letter words, consonant-vowel-consonant (cvc) words. Note that kids will initially learn the short vowel sounds for the vowels in the alphabet as they learn the sounds. Additionally, students learn simple sight words that help them master cvc books.
Mathematically, kindergartners spend the year preparing themselves so that they will be able to do mathematical calculations. Before this can happen, students must learn how to count to 100 in increments of 1, 5, and 10. Kindergartners also need to know how to count by 2's to 10. They are also required to recognize numbers up to 20. Other important skills that kids must master include learning how to put items in sequencing order, categorizing and measuring age-appropriate items and creating patterns and graphs. Students learn to recognize and sort geometric shapes as well as utilize practical items to measure length. Then students begin to do simple calculations, adding and subtracting, up to 20.
As part of math and reading readiness, a kindergartner must master certain writing skills before the school year ends. These will be the essential building blocks that help children accomplish handwriting goals. A student advancing to first grade should know how to write all the letters of the alphabet without looking at the letters, including both uppercase and lowercase letters. Kindergartners need to acquire the ability to express themselves through utilizing pictures, cvc words or letters. Additionally, students should know how to write their names accurately on the line. Likewise, kindergartners must master the writing of numerals from 0 to 20.
Math readiness, reading readiness and the building blocks for handwriting all serve as program goals for the kindergartner. Though students must master other skills, these three essentials are the foundation on which children will build future learning, not only in first grade, but for years to come.