Kindergarten Readiness

Kindergarten is every child's first big step into formal education. But how much does a school system expect your child to know before that first bell rings? Right now, some state lawmakers want to create a uniform assessment exam, to make sure all of Florida's Kindergartners are on the right track.

In a special Assignment: Education report.. Bill Ratliff takes a look at what is expected of little ones just starting out in one bay area school district.

--((Teacher and students interacting:)) "Do you know what that word says?""I know! I know!" "Raise your hand and don't call out! For you! Excellent!"--

Ginger Chinnici (kah-nee-chee) and her students at Anderson Elementary are working at a real advantage. That's because eight-weeks into the school year, she, like all kindergarten teachers in Florida, took each child aside for a brief exam to check their readiness to learn.

--((Teacher Ginger Chinnici says:)) "I have children coming in not knowing any letters of the alphabet, and I have children who are usually just on the verge of reading."--

There are no written academic requirements for entering kindergarten.

--((Chinnici says to student:)) "Now you read it to me. For you. Ok!"---

But Hillsborough's Early Childhood Supervisor.. Susan Avery.. believes the county's readiness exam is a good tool to discover childrens' social and learning levels and to aid teachers in planning lessons.

--((Supervisor Susan Avery says:)) "Not only do you learn what we are trying to assess, but you learn a lot of other things about that child as well, that will help you all year long."--

The exams cover at least 16 points on the basics.. from health, motor skills and behavior.. to learning skills, such as identifying shapes and a familiarity with books.
Pre-school mom Cheryl Ferlita looks forward to seeing where her son stands.
--((Mom Cheryl Ferlita says:)) "I think it's good that teachers know where he's going to be beginning in kindergarten. I think it allows him to meet his needs better."--

Reading isn't required, but experts recommend an introduction to books..And for parents like Linda Tisdale, that's just fine.

--((Kindergarten Mom Linda Tisdale says:)) "I think those children are a step above. I don't think any parent should expect their child to read before they get into kindergarten."--

Here are some tips to help you and your child better prepare for kindergarten:
Start a home library...30 to 50 books is a good size, and take your child to the public library.
Read your child bedtime stories every night.
Set an example by letting your child see you reading the newspaper and books.
Encourage writing by making pencils, crayons and paper available.
And praise your childs efforts and display their work in the home.

To see Hillsborough County's list of early childhood expectations, you can look it up on the Newschannel Eight website at WFLA - dot - com. In my next report, I'll take a look at what age children should start Kindergarten. Bill Ratliff, Newschannel Eight.

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