25 Days Till School: 5 Things Your Kindergartner Should Be Able to Do

Each day of the month leading up to the first day of school, Oakland Township Patch will bring you useful back-to-school information, tricks, trends and tips.

Kindergarten. It's German for "children's garden," and it's your child's first taste of formal schooling.

And while teachers do not expect your child to be able to read on the first day of school, many do ask for kindergartner to be able to accomplish certain basic tasks on their own.

Here are five things you can help your kindergartners learn before school starts:

1. Be able to use the bathroom independently. Barring any special circumstances, your child should be able to use the bathroom by themselves, including pulling up and buttoning pants.
2. Be able to wash hands properly. Children should be able to effectively wash their hands with soap and water and use sanitizer when directed.
3. Be able to eat and clean up without assistance. Teaching your child to serve and clean up their snack can help leave more time for learning.
   
4. Be able to tie their own shoes. Even if your child can't tie his or her shoes yet, don't fret – slip-on and Velcro shoes work just fine, too.
5. Be able to follow classroom rules. Creating an environment conducive to learning is vital, and being able to follow classroom rules helps create that environment.

For a more comprehensive list of things your kindergartner should know and be able to do, visit education.com.

Countdown to School

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