KINDERGARTEN STUDENTS

How exciting! Your child is starting Kindergarten next year. During the first week of Term 1, “Best Start & EMU Kindergarten Assessments” will be implemented. This program has been developed by early learning experts in the Department of Education and Training and Monash University and is used to discover what your child knows and can do as they start school.  

Please find below a sample of particular skills which could make transition into Kindergarten a little easier for your child.

PERSONAL/SOCIAL SKILLS

• Can finish a task and cleans up after task is complete
• Shares and takes turns when playing with other children
• Can sit and listen to a short story
• Participates in imaginative play

SELF-CARE SKILLS

• Is able to dress self with pants, shirt, shoes and socks
• Is attempting to tie up shoelaces
• Uses the toilet independently

FINE MOTOR SKILLS

• Uses scissors to cut along a straight line and basic geometric shapes
• Is able to hold a pencil with thumb and two fingers
• Able to colour a basic picture staying within the lines
• Hand preference is becoming more refined
• Is able to play with a variety of materials
• Is starting to experiment with written work i.e.: attempting to copy letters and numbers

GROSS MOTOR SKILLS

• Runs fairly well, coordinated with good speed
• Able to throw, catch and kick a ball
• Able to walk up and down stairs with alternate step pattern

To help develop these skills prior to commencing Kindergarten, provide opportunities for your child to practice over the school holidays. Encourage supported independence in all activities.