Objectives for kindergarten students include the ability to learn and name all uppercase and lowercase letters of the alphabet. Kindergartners begin to pronounce, blend and segment syllables in spoken words. They begin to apply phonics and word analysis to letters and know commonly used words by sight. They are able to recognize that words are separated by spaces. Children can recognize their own names and know where capital letters are placed. Kindergarten students can locate the important parts of a book, including the title, author and table of contents. After reading a book, students can answer basic questions about what they read.
Kindergarten students use correct punctuation and spelling when writing. Using drawings, dictations and writing, kindergartners compose opinion pieces based on stories they have read. They also share in research and writing projects, such as expressing an opinion on a favorite author. They can also write about a favorite book, explaining some of the key points.
Literacy objectives also include the ability to comprehend standard English grammar and usage. Students form plural verbs by adding "s" or "es." They understand the use of question words such as "who," "what" and "why." Students grasp the use of prepositions and are able to understand complete sentences and the conventions of basic capitalization, punctuation and spelling. They spell simple words phonetically. Kindergartners identify words and apply them with accuracy and know the concept of adjectives and verbs as well as antonyms. They are able to visualize information and draw a picture based on the information provided and can predict what happens next in a story. They can identify favorite books along with reenacting a scene or changing the ending of a story.
Kindergarten students take part in a collaborative conversation with several partners. The students agree on specific rules and topics. Students read passages, and ask and answer questions about the assignment. They clearly describe familiar people and events in the story, understanding the characters and setting of the story.