Pre-k question

DS will be attending junior kindergarten in the fall, it's pretty much the same thing as pre-k. It's full day and obviously he will have lunch there.

I am just curious if you could tell me how much a 4 year old is expected to do on their own without help. DS is somewhat stubborn and although we have been working with him on doing things for himself, he is resistant. I know a teacher can't be there for him every second of the day and he's going to need to be more self-reliant.

For example, he can zip up his own jacket, but can't unsnap his jeans when he has to pee, or re-snap them when he is done. He can drink a juice box no problem, but can't poke the straw through the hole. He can put on his own shoes, but can't put socks on.

Any advice would be appreciated, I would love to work on this stuff with him more but he gets frustrated very easily.

ETA: he is 3.5 now and will be 4 when school starts

Message edited 4/18/2012 8:36:30 PM.

Re: Pre-k question

That sounds about right. He will learn a lot from other kids. Things he won't do for you he will do in school. He will see the other kids and catch on quickly.

I think boys are a little slower with self help skills... Well forever.

Plus, they will have an aide or two to help out.

Re: Pre-k question

DD is in pre-k now at an N-8 Catholic school (my district doesn't have UPK).

They 100% have to be able to complete all bathroom functions by themselves. The teachers will not assist with anything in this regard including clothing. The first few months of school I put leggings under DD's dresses instead of tights since I figured that was easier for her. Talking to the other moms, there are some kids that still don't wear jeans to school because the button is too difficult.

The drink box - I believe the teacher will help as DD gets the milk carton for snack and I know the teacher helps with that.

Re: Pre-k question

Re: Pre-k question

LB, don't worry. Having taught Pre-K for a number of years, I can say in our school they did have to be fully potty trained, BUT we were always there to help them w/ snaps, buttons, belts, etc. We did advise parents to dress them in things THEY can do, but often they didn't.

At snacktime, we always helped w/ juice boxes if they asked for help or opened milk cartons or tore open yogurts, bags of pretzels, etc. We did expect the child to ASK for help, however and not sit there helpless (of course in Sept. there were many that did, just that :))

By mid-year we hoped they have progressed & we'd have them try b4 asking us.

The jackets we started the year doing the flip (to put the jacket on) but of course would help with zippers/snaps. By year end MOST were able to do zippers on their own or snaps.

Don't stress LB.