Transitioning to kindergarten is one of the most critical points for learners in their educational journey. It can impact their experience in the school setting and set a positive or negative tone for years to come. Developing skills in areas such as social-emotional learning and communication are essential. So are physical skills. This includes gross motor skills. Gross motor skills involve large muscles and whole-body movements using the torso, legs, and arms.
According to the South Dakota Statewide Family Engagement Center, some simple skills that early learners can work on before starting kindergarten include:
- Ball skills include catching and throwing a ball and kicking a moving ball.
- Standing on one leg for five to ten seconds and then doing the same on the other leg.
- Galloping, skipping, and hopping for five to ten feet.
- Walking a straight line.
It is important to remember that these skills are not required before an early learner starts school. Instead, they are skills to be worked on in preparation for kindergarten.
These and other kindergarten readiness skills can be found on the SDSFEC website.