Menu

From Preschool to College and Beyond


About Me

From Preschool to College, and Beyond

It all begins in preschool. Your child learns to spend time away from their parents and to take instruction from another adult. A few years later in third grade, they are learning to write paragraphs. Blink again, and they're in high school doing calculus and learning chemistry — and then, they are off to college. All of this education occurs over a lifetime. And throughout the process, you, as a parent, will need to make a lot of decisions. You'll need to choose a preschool, help your child decide what classes to take in high school, and help them fill out college applications. The more you know about education, the more you'll be able to help. We've collected articles in this website to help you feel more informed about education as a parent, so start reading, and enjoy.

4 Facts Parents Should Know About Kindergarten

For many children, kindergarten is the first step in their formal educations. Kindergarten is where kids can hone their fine motor skills and learn more about the world around them. Parents have many options when considering enrolling their kids in a kindergarten class. Here are four facts that parents might not know about kindergarten:

1. The minimum age for kindergarten students varies based on several factors

Many kindergartens set a minimum age for enrollment. This age can vary based on the state in which you reside. Some states set the minimum age at five years old, while other states allow four-year-old children to participate in kindergarten. Private schools can accept children into their kindergarten programs at their discretion, so if you're hoping to send your gifted younger child to kindergarten, a private school may be the way to go.

2. Kindergarten can enrich young children's minds

Kindergarten is not mandatory in all states. In some states, parents have the option of keeping their children home before sending them to first grade. However, kindergarten offers many benefits to kids. In a kindergarten class, children will be exposed to a helpful curriculum designed to encourage their curiosity and engage their minds. Kindergarten can get kids interested in science, math, language arts, and other subjects at an age-appropriate level.

3. Children can practice their reading skills in kindergarten

Children learn to read at their own pace, with some kids acquiring reading skills later than others. Most kindergarteners are unable to read on their own, but kindergarten classes can teach and reinforce skills that are vital for reading. In kindergarten, kids will learn to recite the alphabet. Kids will also have the chance to listen to stories read by their teachers. Being read to is an important precursor to learning to read since it can prepare children's minds for a more active reading role later.

4. Kindergarten can help kids develop important social skills

Social skills are important for kids, who need these skills to make friends and thrive in the classroom. Only children may not have the chance to engage with peers at home, and even kids with siblings can benefit from wider socialization. In kindergarten, kids will learn how to get along with different types of people. They'll learn how to cooperate, share, and play with other children. Kids who learn the importance of kindness and friendliness in kindergarten can be socially successful later in life.