What are Pre-K Skills?

Pre-Kindergarten Skills. Language Arts/Early Literacy . Understands and responds to simple oral directions. Talks and listens appropriately while in a group. Expresses ideas in complete sentences. Recognizes his/her name in print. Names six basic colors (red, blue, green, yellow, orange, brown). Identifies some printed alphabet letters. Prints and identifies letters in first name. Recognizes some sounds that rhyme. Demonstrates knowledge of print: left to right top to bottom. Arranges story cards in sequential order. Begins to dictate sentences, phrases, and words. Mathematics. Identifies basic geometric shapes (circle, triangle, square). Recognizes numerals (0,1,2,3,4,5). Matches numerals to quantities 0-5. Recognizes and reproduces simple patterns of concrete objects. Participates in simple graphing activities. Counts from 1-10 or higher. Puts together a 10-12 piece puzzle. Science. Exploration by manipulating materials with simple equipment. Demonstrates awareness of seasonal changes and weather conditions. Identifies animals and plants as living things. Social Skills. Separates from parents without undue stress. Demonstrates awareness of the five senses. Takes care of personal needs. Plays cooperatively/interacts with children without constant supervision. Understands and respects the property and rights of others. Knows and observes classroom rules/routines. Works on an activity for a reasonable length of time (10-15 minutes). Contributes to the classroom community and participates in classroom jobs. Participates in large and small group activities. Displays a positive attitude toward school. Gross Motor Skills. Bounces a large ball and catches it. Throws and catches a large ball with two hands. Climbs confidently on climbing apparatus. Moves easily from one space to another (e.g., running, jumping, hopping). Fine Motor Skills. Grasps small objects with thumb and forefinger. Manipulates scissors correctly. Practices self-help skills (buttoning, zipping). Fine Arts. Explores with a variety of art work (e.g., markers, clay, paint, water colors, crayons). Uses art as a form of self-expression. Music. Participates in classroom music activities. Responds to various music tempos through movement exploration. Dramatic Play. Creates or recreates stories and experiences. Engages in dramatic play with others. Children learn best…. Current research concludes that young children learn best: When they feel comfortable and secure.. Through active manipulation of objects.. When provided with experiences which involve the greatest number of senses.. Through repeated and varied experiences.. Those things which are important to them at the moment.. When activities are carefully and developmentally sequenced.. When they experience individualized instruction, rather than being required to move as a group from one learning objective to the next.. When curriculum addresses all aspects of children's development.. When their progress is systematically assessed, strengths are built on and weaknesses prescribed for.. When their parents are significantly involved in the educational process..