skills vs knowledge

Home

Chat

Blogs

Collection

Directory

Home : 2007 : July : 3

skills vs knowledge
By kali

Well, I will start by saying, I don't agree with a child skipping kindergarten. Because it is so much more a social time than a academic one, I worry about the thought that a child has to many skills for K. I have many K
students who come to me and can read (decode) anything. However they do not have the maturity to learn the comprehension skills necessary for critical thinking skills. I want them to read books about topics that are developmentally appropriate for them so they can construct a deeper knowledge. I never go over a DRA level 13. I also notice that most 5/6 year olds write like 5/6 year olds.

They have not gained enough experience to write like a first grader. I teach the 6 traits to my K students, and even the top writers, understand the traits but need to hear the same picture book several times to than try the modeled trait in their own writing. In K there is time for centers, play, and more recess time. These provide opportunities for 5-6 year olds to debate, pretend, delegate, lead, follow, question, and problem solve with their peers. Knowing all the vowels might make spelling easier, but it won't make your child a better friend and it won't establish or validate her ownership over her own learning and interest. Your daughter is just turning 5, let her be with her peers. I always have a handful of children who have academic skills well beyond a set of standards for k, but no matter what level they are academically, they all LOVE and prefer to do 5-6 year old activities. They love blocks, housekeeping, and FREE CHOICE (play). First grade has a curriculum that leads less time for the learning to be student centered and hands on. Allow your child the year in k to build friendship skills and social skills that will serve her well in the future. A good K teacher, just like all good teachers should not have bored students in their class. I know that K teachers like all others take students from where they are and go from there.