Math
*Numerals 1-30
*Counting Objects to 10
*One to One correspondence of objects
*Sorting by various attributes-color, shape, size
*Patterns: AB, AABB, ABC
*Sizes-small, medium, large
*Shapes-square, rectangle, circle, triangle, diamond, heart, oval, star
*Matching symbols, shapes, patterns, etc.
*Same and Different
*More, Less, Same
*Time: Day and Night
*Money: Explore through games, songs, and pretend play

Literacy
*Exposure to alphabet, letter names and sounds
*Recognize, spell, write first name
*Hold a pencil, marker, crayon correctly
*Retell familiar stories
*Draw pictures and dictate sentences about stories and experiences
*Answer questions about stories
*Repeat simple nursery rhymes and fingerplays
*Concepts of print:left to right direction, holding book right-side-up
*Build new vocabulary
*Build listening skills
*Strengthen visual discrimination
*Sequencing
*Develop fine motor skills

Science
*Explore science tools: magnets, magnifying glasses, etc.
*Experience the world through nature walks, gardening, and other explorations
*Observe insect life
*Observe plant growth
*Observe weather and plant life during each season
*Measure and mix ingredients in cooking activities
*Identify basic colors and explore color mixing
*Make observational drawings and dictation
*Explore the world with the five senses
*Investigate animals, the homes they live in, the food they eat
*Name the parts of a body

Creative Arts
*Explore a variety of art processes: painting, drawing, sculpture, weaving, collage, etc.
*Use a variety of art materials: crayons, paint, colored pencils, markers, chalk, clay, etc.
*Experiment with mixing paint colors
*Sing traditional songs and songs that enhance the curriculum
*Participate in movement songs and dances
*Use scarves, rhythm sticks, and bean bags to practice rhythm
*Use a variety of children's instruments
*Participate in dramatic play
*Dramatize familiar stories
*Act out the movements and sounds of animals

Social Skills
*Practice problem solving skills in social situations
*Work in groups or with a partner on a variety of projects
*Share classroom materials with the group
*Practice using manners: please, thank you, excuse me, table manners
*Communicate his/her needs
*Take care of his/her own basic needs: clean up, fasten clothing, use kleenex, etc.
*State personal information: first and last name, age, school name
*Explore types of work and workers
*Explore modes of transportation
*Participate in projects to help others in need

Technology
*Use computer programs to create picture stories
*Use a computer mouse: click, click and drag
*Use the internet to explore kid-friendly websites

Religion
*Listen to Old Testament and New Testament Bible stories
*Recognize that plants, animals, and human beings are God's creation
*Recognize that God created families to love and take care of each other
*Learn about God's love
*Listen to stories of the life of Jesus
*Learn Jesus' teachings to love God and one another
*Recognize the holiness of Mary
*View symbols of our faith such as: water, the cross, wheat, bread, grapes, etc.

Social Studies
*Recognize that there are many kinds of families
*Name different jobs people have
*Explore varieties of houses
*Learn about needs of a family (shelter, clothing, food, each other)

Growing, Learning, and Getting Ready for Kindergarten!

Kindergarten readiness is about so much more than knowing letters and numbers! It includes developing independence, building friendships, learning to solve problems, exploring new ideas, and feeling confident about trying new things.

Throughout Pre-K, children grow in many different ways and at their own pace. Our goal is to provide a nurturing, engaging environment where children can learn through play, exploration, meaningful experiences, and positive relationships.

The following skills are helpful as your child prepares for the exciting transition to kindergarten. Remember, every child is unique, and these skills develop over time!

Early Literacy & Language

As your child prepares for kindergarten, encourage them to:

• State their first and last name when asked.

• Write their first name.

• Recognize the letters in their first name.

• Recognize most uppercase and lowercase letters.

• Begin matching letters with their corresponding sounds.

• Understand basic concepts of print, such as the front and back of a book, where a story begins, and how we read words from left to right.

• Enjoy listening to stories and retell simple stories in the correct sequence.

• Recognize and create rhyming words.

Early Math Skills

Children can practice these important early math concepts through everyday activities, games, and play:

• Count aloud to at least 30.

• Recognize numerals 1–10 when shown in random order.

• Count up to 10 objects by touching each object as they count.

• Identify basic shapes: triangle, circle, square, rectangle, oval, diamond (rhombus), star, and heart.

• Recognize basic colors: red, blue, green, yellow, orange, purple, black, white, brown, and pink.

• Sort objects by size, color, or shape.

• Group and count sets of 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 objects.

• Recognize and continue simple AB patterns, such as cat, dog, cat, dog.

Fine Motor & Gross Motor Development

Developing coordination and control helps children participate in classroom activities and everyday routines.

Helpful skills to practice include:

• Using an appropriate three-finger grasp when holding pencils and crayons.

• Developing coordination when using child-safe scissors.

• Practicing gross motor skills such as bouncing and throwing a ball, jumping, and climbing.

Social-Emotional Skills & Independence

Social-emotional development and independence are important parts of a successful kindergarten transition. Children benefit from opportunities to practice the following skills:

• Use the restroom independently, including washing hands.

• Manage clothing before and after using the restroom.

• Practice putting on and taking off coats and other outerwear.

• Listen to a story and participate appropriately in group activities.

• Clean up toys and materials after use.

• Share materials and toys with others and practice taking turns.

• Listen to and follow two- or three-step directions.

• Practice solving problems using words and appropriate strategies rather than aggression.

• Develop confidence when separating from a parent or caregiver.

• Approach school and new experiences with a positive, curious attitude.

Children will continue to develop these skills throughout their early childhood years. Encouragement, patience, and consistent practice can make a big difference!

 How You Can Help Prepare Your Child

Parents and caregivers are a child's first and most important teachers! Everyday experiences provide wonderful opportunities to build the skills and confidence children need for kindergarten.

Explore the world together.

Visit interesting places such as the park, beach, zoo, airport, farm, or lake. During car rides, play games like I Spy to encourage children to notice colors, shapes, and details in their surroundings while building vocabulary.

Talk about your experiences.

Ask your child questions about what they see, hear, and experience. Conversations with caring adults help children develop language, curiosity, and an understanding of the world around them.

Be an attentive listener.

Make eye contact when appropriate, listen carefully, and show your child that their thoughts and ideas matter. Meaningful conversations help children feel valued and build confidence in expressing themselves.

Read together every day.

Expose your child to a variety of books, stories, poems, and nursery rhymes. Ask questions, talk about the pictures, predict what might happen next, and encourage your child to retell favorite stories.

Encourage effort and curiosity.

Praise your child's effort, persistence, and willingness to try something new. Mistakes are a natural part of learning! When children feel safe making mistakes, they develop confidence, resilience, and a love of learning.

Practice independence through everyday routines.

Give your child opportunities to put on their coat, clean up toys, wash their hands, follow simple directions, and make age-appropriate choices. Allowing children time to try things on their own helps build confidence and responsibility.

Most Importantly…

Kindergarten readiness is not about being perfect or mastering every skill before the first day of school. It is about helping children become curious, confident, caring, and increasingly independent learners.

At SMG Pre-K, we believe that children learn best when they feel safe, loved, supported, and excited to explore. Together, we can help each child build a strong foundation for a happy and successful kindergarten experience.