What to Teach Your Four-Year-Old

School has officially started for most school-aged children. Those of us with a four year old child who is not attending kindergarten until next year are more aware that this is our final year to spend with that child until they spend the biggest part of their day with other teachers than us. Some of us might be wondering what we can do in this year to prepare our four year old to have a smooth entry into kindergarten next year. Those of us with a four year old in preschool or daycare will still want to maximize their child’s abilities and ease of entry into “real school.” I asked questions of people who work for the Parents as Teachers organization, preschool teachers ,and kindergarten teachers, and compiled this list and ways you can help your four year old achieve her best this year.

She needs to:
Say what she is feeling. You can help by giving her feeling words like “You seem mad. Is that right? What can you tell me about it?”

Learn to separate from his parents. You can let him make short visits to a grandparent or a friend’s home without you. At the playground, let him play and interact with others while you watch.

Know more about herself, her abilities, her likes and dislikes. Help her by telling her when you are proud of how she acts, or what she does. Encourage her to name what she likes best: color, food, dessert, and toy.

Know what is real, and what isn’t. When you read books or watch TV together, talk about what is real, and what is pretend. Ask her what she thinks.

Use words to get what he wants. You can help by listening to him when he asks for something. When he shouts or hits, don’t give him what he wants, and explain why.

Finish a task. You can give her jobs that are real and don’t take long. For example, set the table; feed the family pet; take her dirty clothes to the laundry room.

Use table manners. Show him how to chew with mouth closed, use a napkin, ask for seconds, or leave the table. Practice manners at home.

Recognize and keep away from dangerous things. You can help by pointing out things that hurt like matches, knives, lighters or cleaners.

Eat a variety of foods. Just serve a wide range of foods, and ask him to try them. Don’t make him eat anything, but encourage new things.

Use the potty by herself, and stay dry. Encourage her to go by herself. Show her how to wipe herself and wash her hands. Give her clothes that are easy to take off and on. Help her feel grown up.

Dress himself. He probably won’t be tying shoes yet, but a four year old can learn to do zippers and buttons, and ask for help when he needs it. Let him help pick out what to wear.

Use polite words, like “excuse me”, “please”, and “thank you.” The best way to teach this is to model polite words when speaking to hear or others. She learns the most from you (this will always be true, by the way).

Recognize the feelings she sees on people’s faces. You can look at pictures in books together and talk about what the people might be feeling based on their facial expressions. Talk about what her friends might be feeling when they look angry, sad, or excited.

Say his first and last name. You can make a game out of having him repeat his first name, or last name, and both together.

Print her first name. Instead of writing her name, print it. Point her name out to her, and name all the letters. She has all year to learn this, don’t sweat it.

Hold and use scissors. Most children like to cut with scissors. Make sure you get some that are small enough that he can use them properly. Show him how to cut out snowflakes.

Sit quietly for 10-15 minutes ( not watching TV). If your child is like mine, sometimes you need to practice this. Don’t worry if he seems unable to sit still. Practice reading a book to him, or set him at task or puzzle that is engaging to him. Four year olds mature a lot this year, and learning to sit still will be one thing they learn.

Four year olds love to be silly, and love to play. They like knock-knock jokes, and silly puns. The good news is, that helps them learn a lot about language. And it’s funny!

A four year old is usually energetic, and likes to try new things. They can manage their bodies better than at any other year, but they still need an adult to tell them when they are trying something too outlandish or difficult. Allow plenty of time every day for your four year old to be loud, rowdy, and exuberant.

Read aloud to your four year old every day. Four year olds can follow along with a story, and really like a series. Think about the “Arthur” books the “Curious George” series or “Franklin the Turtle”. You can point out some frequently occurring sight words as well. Four year olds like to think they can “read.”

These are just some of the things a kindergartener is expected to know. You can check with your local school for a kindergarten preparedness list. You are always your child’s first and best teacher.

This is the last year your child will be a preschooler. Enjoy it, have fun, and watch him grow up!