Do you know what your kids should be learning? Does your state have regulations that say you should be teaching a curriculum “comparable to that of the public schools?“ Below is a list compiled along with links to various resources. You might use a curriculum and you can use this list as a means of comparison or you can use this list on its own. The list is compiled from Worldbook, however, I have added links to online resources and teaching ideas. Keep looking for checklists all the way up to 12th grade!
Size
*Understands big and little.
Worksheets to help little ones learn about sizes.
*Understands long and short.
*Matches shapes or objects based on size.
Colors and Shapes
* Recognizes and names primary colors.
* Recognizes circles.
* Recognizes rectangles
Go on a shape treasure hunt.
* Matches shapes or objects based on shape.
Make your own shape puzzles.
* Copies shapes.
Numbers
* Counts orally through 10.
Create a Number Book
* Counts objects in one-to-one correspondence.
* Understands empty and full.
* Understands more and less.
Make an M & M Counting Chart
Reading Readiness
* Remembers objects from a given picture.
* Knows what a letter is.
Look at Starfall.com for free lesson plans to help your kids learn how to read!
* Has been read to daily.
Here are a few great books to check out:
Brown, Margaret Wise. Goodnight Moon.
Carle, Eric. The Very Hungry Caterpillar.
Freeman, Don. Corduroy.
Hughes, Shirley. Alfie Gives a Hand.
Martin, Bill Jr. Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?
Potter, Beatrix. The Tale of Peter Rabbit.
* Looks at books and magazines. A few of our favorites are: Ranger Rick, Nick Jr.
* Recognizes some nursery rhymes.
Here is a great list of nursery rhymes as well as their origins and other interesting tidbits.
* Identifies parts of the body. Use songs to teach your kids different parts of the body.
* Identifies household objects. Consider teaching your child about things around the house by letting your child do chores with you.
* Knows common farm and zoo animals.
* Pronounces own first name.
* Pronounces own last name.
* Expresses self verbally. (Tells stories or details, expresses likes and dislikes.)
* Identifies other children by name.
* Tells the meaning of simple words.
* Repeats a sentence of 6-8 words.
* Completes incomplete sentence with proper word.
* Has own books.
* Understands that print carries a message.
* Pretends to read.
* Uses left-to-right progression.
* Answers questions about a short story.
* Tells the meaning of words heard in story.
* Looks at pictures and tells a story.
* Identifies own first name in manuscript.
Related Articles:
What Your Preschooler Should Know: Part II
What Your Preschooler Should Know: Part III