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Chapter 7 Middle Childhood: Growth and Development
To maximize the opportunities uncovered by brain research, more
children today are attending full-day kindergarten programs. In the past,
most programs met for half a day or on alternate days. Educators are still
studying the effects of full-day schedules. It appears that children in these
programs develop learning skills that provide a smoother transition into
first grade and beyond. Results also suggest long-term learning gains.
Educational researchers will continue to evaluate children from both types
of programs to determine how to best support young learners.
Figure 7.3 Kindergarten Readiness Skills
Gross-Motor Skills
• Throws a ball overhand
• Jumps forward
• Skips
• Walks on tiptoe
• Rides a tricycle
Fine-Motor Skills
• Holds a crayon or marker correctly
• Cuts with scissors
• Copies a square and triangle
• Completes a puzzle with 10 to 12 pieces
Self-Help Skills
• Dresses self without help
• Eats independently
• Uses the bathroom without help
Cognitive Skills
• Knows own full name
• Speaks in complete sentences of five to six words
• Counts to 10
• Knows most colors and some letters
• Understands basic concepts such as in/out, front/back, on/off
• Can tell a simple story
• Sorts items by size, shape, and color
• Engages in make-believe play
Social-Emotional Skills
• Plays with a small group of children
• Expresses feelings
• Developing self-control
• Understands right and wrong
• Follows directions and rules
• Can work independently for a short time
• Adapts to changes