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Kindergarten Graduation for Teachers and Parents

Tips and Expectations for Beyond the Kindergarten Year

Feb 16, 2009 Jennifer Wagaman

Graduating from Kindergarten is exciting, and teachers should make every effort to focus on the achievement of the children as well as the learning still to come.

When a child has completed kindergarten, there is often a formal kindergarten graduation to celebrate. Teachers should focus on how much each child has learned over the year, and how much fun it will be to continue learning. Teachers should also encourage parents to find appropriate activities for the children to do over the summer to enable them to continue learning and exploring the world.

What a Kindergartner Knows

By the end of Kindergarten, children will have learned their letters and numbers, and will have begun to learn the basics of reading and writing. The students have learned the important lesson for how to share, as well as basic skills for how to behave in class. Kindergarten is a time of exploration in learning, where teachers open the world up to the students and show the excitement that learning new things can bring.

What to Expect in First Grade

In first grade, students will build upon the skills learned in Kindergarten. Most notably, students will continue improving their reading and writing skills. Learning begins to become more formal, while at the same time, students will continue to be encouraged to explore and have fun while learning. Lessons will be hands-on and energetic, even while students are expected to sit still for longer periods of time. While most public schools now have full day kindergarten, moving from half-day to full-day can be a big adjustment for students as well.

Suggestions for Summer Learning Activities

Finding age appropriate activities for a kindergartner over the summer is important for parents who either need to work, or who need a break from the everyday routine. There are many great programs available to parents that will keep children engaged and learning, while having fun at the same time. Teachers should familiarize themselves with local programs and provide a list of educational suggestions for parents. Some examples of things to look into include:

Day care centers with educational programs for kids
Day Camps with age-appropriate groups
Educational activities at local museums and libraries
Kids Clubs that involve students in exploring the world
Kids days at various places that include entertainment and age-appropriate learning

Graduating from Kindergarten is an exciting milestone for children, parents and teachers. It marks the end of that first fearful year of school, and signifies all the fun and learning yet to come. Parents and teachers alike should make the effort to prepare the children for first grade, and keep learning fresh and fun over the summer.

Read more tips for summer learning ideas for kids, and find out more information about Kindergarten.

The copyright of the article Kindergarten Graduation for Teachers and Parents in New Teacher Support is owned by Jennifer Wagaman. Permission to republish Kindergarten Graduation for Teachers and Parents in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

After Kindergarten Graduation