What to Expect and How to Support Your Child

Beginning kindergarten is a significant milestone for children and parents, marking the start of formal education and a new chapter in social development. Essential for a child's success in this new environment are their communication skills. A common question parents have is, "What should a child be able to say and understand before starting kindergarten?" Key communication milestones for kindergarten readiness and how to nurture these skills at home will be explored.

Key Kindergarten Readiness Milestones

for Speech & Language

A strong foundation in speech and language enables children to interact with teachers and peers, express needs, and navigate the classroom successfully. Here are key communication milestones to anticipate and support as a child approaches kindergarten:

Speaking in complete sentences: Children entering kindergarten should typically construct sentences with 5–7 or more words, enabling them to communicate their thoughts and needs more clearly. For example, instead of saying "want scissors", they might say "I need scissors to cut this" according to Big City Readers.
Following multi-step directions: The classroom environment often involves following instructions with multiple steps, like "Get your backpack and line up by the door." The Santa Clara County Library District suggests a two-step example: "Please pick up your plate and put it in the sink".
Understanding and answering WH- questions: "Who," "what," "where," "when," and "why" questions are fundamental for understanding stories, participating in discussions, and clarifying information.
Using descriptive language: Kindergarteners should be able to use words that describe colors, sizes, and locations (e.g., "under," "next to") to enrich their storytelling and observations.
Telling short stories with a beginning, middle, and end: Developing narrative skills allows children to share experiences, describe events, and express their imagination.
Taking turns in a conversation and staying on topic: Effective communication involves reciprocal interaction, including waiting for one's turn to speak and maintaining the flow of a discussion.
Using age-appropriate speech sounds: While some sound errors, like those involving "R," "TH," or "L," are still common in this age range, a child's speech should be largely understandable to unfamiliar listeners.

Empowering Parents:

How You Can Help at Home

Parents play a vital role in fostering a child's communication skills. Integrating language-rich activities into everyday routines can make a big difference:

Practice storytelling: Encourage a child to recount their day or describe a favorite event. Prompt them with questions like, "What happened first? What happened next?"
Utilize everyday routines: Turn activities like getting dressed, preparing meals, or cleaning up into opportunities for language development. Name items, describe actions, and ask questions about what you're doing together.
Model clear and rich language: Use full sentences and a diverse vocabulary during conversations with a child. Children learn by example.
Engage in language-focused games: Play games that encourage listening and talking, such as "Simon Says," rhyming games, or "I Spy".
Read aloud daily: Reading exposes children to new vocabulary and sentence structures, strengthening their listening skills. Ask questions about the story to encourage comprehension and expressive language.
Provide choices: Instead of simple yes/no questions, offer choices that prompt longer responses, for instance, "Do you want apples or bananas?"

Looking for more ideas? Check out our post from a few weeks ago here. We talk more in depth about what parents can do at home to open the doors to communicating with your child.

Storytelling, reading, and every day conversation can prepare your child for the classroom in ways you might not expect.

Use descriptive language. Kindergarteners should be able to use words that describe colors, sizes, and locations (e.g., "under," "next to") to enrich their storytelling and observations. Let them finish sentences, make choices, and feel empowered around books and conversation.

When to Seek Professional Support

Remember, every child develops at their own pace, and some variability in reaching these milestones is normal. However, if a child consistently struggles with several of these skills or if there are any concerns about their communication development, don't hesitate to seek professional guidance. A Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) can provide a comprehensive evaluation and determine if additional support could help boost a child's confidence and prepare them for a successful kindergarten experience. Read more about how early intervention can make a significant difference in a child’s communication journey, and reach out to us if you’re ready to hear more about how Katie can help!

Navigating Kindergarten Communication: