Kindergarten Priorities
Jenn MacDonald • February 9, 2025
Focus on What Matters Most (and Make It Fun)
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
- 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
đź’› 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.
🕊️ Less Pressure, More Presence
You don’t need a Pinterest-perfect schoolroom or a packed schedule. All you need is a little time each day to connect, explore, and wonder together.
Focus on the big things:
- Reading aloud
- Playing with numbers
- Using little hands for big discoveries
- Talking, laughing, and imagining together
Let the rest go.
Because at this age, learning is everywhere, and the best lessons are caught, not taught.
You’re doing enough. Your child is learning. And this season is sweeter when you enjoy it.
So pour another cup of coffee. Grab a stack of picture books. Count the petals on a flower. Teach your child the things you love—and let love be the lesson they remember most.
Here's a cute checklist to help you! You can also download the free kindergarten printable checklist as a pdf at https://www.homeschooling101.net/free-kindergarten-lesson-plans
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