Language and Word Skills
Children entering kindergarten should be able to listen to stories and have conversations. They should be able to recognize their name, interact with stories, re-tell stories, and make guesses using pictures. Furthermore they should be able to hold a pencil, write their names, and express themselves using pictures.
General Language Skills Checklist
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Listen and understand stories, conversations, and directions
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Start conversations
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Ask and respond to questions
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Recognize rhyming words
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Use a growing vocabulary
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Recognize and name some letters of the alphabet, especially those in their own name
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Guess what will happen next in a story using pictures as a guide
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Begin to show an interest and understanding in written language by asking "What does that say?"
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Use scribbles, shapes, and pictures to represent thoughts or ideas
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Begin to copy or write their own name
Language and Word Skill-Builders
"I need to be familiar with words and books."
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Teach me new words.
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Show me words and symbols in my language and the sounds they make.
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Read to me, take me to the library, and bring me books and magazines.
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Sing songs and teach me rhymes.
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Write down my words or stories as I tell you.