Kindergarten Priorities

Kindergarten Priorities: Focus on What Matters Most (and Make It Fun)

When you first start homeschooling kindergarten, it’s easy to feel like you need to do all the things—reading programs, math workbooks, handwriting drills, science experiments, art projects... every subject, every day.

But here’s the truth: Kindergarten is not about doing everything—it’s about doing the right things, gently and joyfully.

Let’s talk about the real academic priorities in kindergarten—and how you can nurture them through fun, everyday moments (without burning out).

🎯 The Top Academic Priorities for Kindergarten

1. Reading Readiness & Language Skills
   This includes things like:

• Listening to and understanding stories
• Recognizing letters and their sounds
• Building vocabulary
• Rhyming and playing with words

How to make it fun:

• Read aloud every day—cuddled up on the couch, at bedtime, or even in the backyard.
• Sing songs, play rhyming games, and let them "read" you a story using pictures.
• Use magnetic letters on the fridge or sidewalk chalk to play letter games.

2. Basic Math Concepts
      We're talking:

• Counting to 20
• Recognizing numbers
• Sorting, grouping, comparing sizes and shapes
• Simple patterns and number sense

How to make it fun:

• Count toys, snacks, or stairs out loud as you go.
• Sort buttons by color or size, build patterns with blocks or cereal.
• Let them help you measure while baking—math, science, and snacks in one!

3. Fine Motor Skills

        These are important for writing and everyday independence.
           Think:

• Using scissors
• Holding a pencil or crayon
• Buttoning, zipping, pouring

How to make it fun:

• Play with playdough, beads, clothespins, or lacing cards.
• Let them draw, paint, and snip paper into “confetti.”
• Invite them to help you in the kitchen or with simple crafts.

Social & Emotional Development
        Learning to express feelings, follow directions, share, take turns, and develop confidence is just as important as any worksheet.

How to make it fun:

• Play pretend together—store, restaurant, family, animals.
• Take nature walks and talk about what you notice.
• Practice calming strategies like breathing games or cozy reading corners.

Rather than stress, check out our Free Kindergarten Lesson Plans

💛 Leave Room for What You Love

One of the most beautiful parts of homeschooling is the chance to share what you love with your child. If you love baking, music, gardening, building things, storytelling—teach them through that!

Pass on your passions. Let them see you light up when you talk about what you love. That’s a lesson in joy, curiosity, and lifelong learning that no textbook can match.