Make an initial assessment of students as they first enter your classroom. This can be achieved by testing basic skill levels on the core subjects addressed in the class, as well as rating overall maturity level. You can also assess preferred learning styles, although at the pre-K level, this may be difficult to determine. This is a good reason to present information in a variety of mediums (oral, written, hands-on) to help children become more flexible learners.
Provide a classroom environment that has established daily routines with variety built in. For example, "reading time" can be the routine, while various aspects -- reading silently, reading aloud, taking turns in a group reading circle -- can be part of the set routine. This creates a structured flow to the day while also providing varying levels of education to meet the individual needs of a diverse group of students.
Inform parents about various areas of study to be covered on a weekly basis and encourage a "pre-introduction" of topics at home. For example, if your curriculum covers nutrition and the basic food groups, send a food pyramid home with the children and ask their parents to discuss the chart during meal time. This will allow the children to be better prepared for instruction.
Employ a variety of instructional methods, such as hands-on projects, problem-based learning and computer-aided instruction.
Utilizing teacher aides or parent volunteers, begin dividing children into developmentally-appropriate groups for small group instruction on core subjects. This approach will challenge more advanced students while providing the individual attention other children need at this age.
Continue to evaluate the learning styles and developmental milestones of children throughout the year. Take into consideration their preferred learning methods, whether they function better in the morning or afternoon, and make note of the level of assistance and encouragement they receive at home. This approach will help you adapt your approach of how to teach diverse learners in the pre-K classroom while also providing vital analytical information for the children's kindergarten teacher.