What We Learn in Kindergarten
In kindergarten, your child will learn important skills in reading, writing, math, science, and more. These skills are based on the Arizona Academic Standards, which guide what students learn in school. Kindergarten focuses on building strong foundations so children are ready for first grade and beyond.
English Language Arts (Reading & Writing)
In kindergarten, students begin learning how reading works. These standards focus on early literacy skills and understanding text.
Your child will learn to:
Recognize and name uppercase and lowercase letters
Connect letters to their sounds
Blend sounds to read simple words
Recognize common sight words
Ask and answer questions about stories
Retell key details from a story
Begin writing letters, words, and simple sentences
Mathematics
Kindergarten math focuses on numbers, counting, and understanding how numbers work.
Your child will learn to:
Count and recognize numbers
Understand that numbers represent quantity
Compare numbers (more, less, equal)
Add and subtract small numbers
Identify shapes and describe them
Understand simple patterns
Early Childhood Education/Kindergarten Readiness
In addition to academics, kindergarten focuses on helping your child learn to:
Follow directions
Work with others
Take turns
Stay focused on a task
Try new things and keep going
Science
Arizona uses a 3-dimensional science model:
Science knowledge
Science practices
Real-world connections
Your child will learn to:
Ask questions about the world around them
Observe and describe plants, animals, and weather
Explore how things move and work
Use simple tools to investigate
Share ideas and explain what they notice
Social Studies
Your child will learn to:
Understand past, present, and future
Use words like first, next, and last
Learn about rules and why they are important
Understand how people work together to solve problems
Identify needs and wants
Learn about places and their environment
Physical Education
Your child will learn to:
Practice basic movement skills (running, jumping, throwing)
Follow directions during games and activities
Work and play safely with others
Understand the importance of being active
Other Areas of Learning
Arts & Creative Expression
Drawing, music, and movement
Expressing ideas creatively
Technology & Thinking Skills
Use simple tools appropriately
Beginning problem-solving skills
Kindergarten is a time of growth. Your child will learn how to read, solve problems, work with others, and build confidence as a learner.
When your child starts kindergarten, your support at home continues to make a big difference. Learning does not only happen at school. Small, everyday moments at home can help your child build skills and feel more confident.
Read together every day: Spend a few minutes reading with your child each day. Talk about the story, look at the pictures and ask simple questions.
Practice letters and sounds: Review letters and sounds your child is learning in school. Keep it short and fun -- just a few minutes at a time.
Review sight words: Practice reading a few sight words. Look for them in books, signs, or around your home.
Play with sounds and rhymes: Say rhymes, sign songs, and play sound games together.
Encourage drawing and writing: Let your child draw pictures and try writing letters or words. It's okay if it's not perfect - practice helps them grow.
Talk and listen: Have conversations with your child every day. Ask questions and listen to their ideas.
Build independence: Let yoru child practice doing things on their own, like getting dressed, packing their backpack, and cleaning up.
Encourage effort: Use positive words like, "you worked hard," or "let's try it together.
A few minutes each day can make a big difference.
