Grading lets parents and teachers measure the individual understanding of a student. Reviewing work and assigning grades in kindergarten lets the teachers know whether a student understands certain concepts. Teachers can see whether the student can move on or needs more time. Let students know grades are good no matter what. If they receive a poor grade, turn it into a learning experience. Ask what they didn't understand and help explain it. If desired, have the student do the worksheet or exam again when they know the material. A higher grade the second time around will help boost confidence.
Grades in kindergarten are a tool by which teachers can measure the advancement of the entire classroom. If a majority of the students perform well in a subject the teacher knows the students have a firm foundation for more advanced material. Emphasize to students that the teacher uses grades to help the class. These small tests also let the teacher know if her lessons are truly informing the class. Teachers can change lessons to help students better grasp concepts. Grades also let the teacher know students are ready for upcoming standardized exams.
Standardized assessments are now required of kindergarteners in many states. These assessments do not reflect on the capabilities of the individual student, but instead they are used to measure the effectiveness of the school or the teacher and their ability to teach certain material. When giving students standardized assessments, emphasize that the test and the grade are meant to show what the teacher can do, not the student. This takes some pressure off of the student and allows him to relax during testing.
Many parents worry students who perform below average or poorly in kindergarten will never succeed in school. Poor grades in early years can be a result of many different factors including problems at home, the emergence of learning differences or simply a lack of interest in the subject matter. The apprehension parents feel can translate to the student, causing emotional turmoil or feelings of failure. Show the student that grades are not the full measure of their capabilities and talk to the teacher to see what can be done to help the student. Separate the student from the grade. Let her know she can learn to do the work, no matter what the grade says.