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Mississippi PreKindergarten

Benchmarks and Objectives

Pre-Kindergarten - Language Development

Demonstrates an awareness of print

- develops left to right progression

- develops an understanding of top to bottom directions

- holds a book in the correct way

- recognizes local environmental print

- understands that print conveys meaning

- recognizes first name in print

- names 8 - 10 letters especially those from own name

- matches same letters (visual discrimination - uppercase to uppercase, lowercase to lowercase)

- attempts writing (scribble/drawing)

- understands that different text forms are used for different functions of print

Constructs meaning when responding to a story read or to a picture

- joins in reading of predictable pattern books

- produces an imagined story to accompany pictures

- begins to predict and outcome

- develops an awareness of cause and effect

- begins to differentiate reality from fantasy

- shows an interest in books and reading

- connects information from a story to life experiences

- demonstrates understanding of literal meaning of story through questions and comments

Exhibits developmentally appropriate oral language for communication purposes

- expresses wants, needs, and thoughts in primary language (makes choices)

- retells a familiar story using own words

- dictates a story

- retells a personal story

- responds to questions in conversation using words and phrases in the primary language

- participates in conversation while interacting with peers

- recalls sequence of events

- uses positional words in proper context

- uses phrases and simple sentences

- interprets pictures orally

- uses new vocabulary and grammatical constructions in own speech

- repeats favorite rhymes and songs

Begins to demonstrate phonemic awareness

- distinguishes sound units/syllables (clapping/stomping/finger tapping)

- recognizes rhyming words

- begins to notice beginning phonemes/sounds (no graphemes/letters)

Develops listening skills

- understands and follows oral directions

- listens attentively to a story

- listens to music

Pre-Kindergarten - Math Language Development

Describes things by color, size, and/or shape

- sorts objects by color, size, and/or shape

- identifies color, size, and/or shape of objects

- recognizes color, size, and/or shape of objects in environment

Recognizes how things are alike (comparisons)

- explores the concept of how things are alike through manipulative experiences

- identifies alike and different

- categorizes objects that are alike

Identifies objects that belong together  (classifies)

- selects objects that go together

- explains how things are related

Demonstrates understanding of positional words (measurement)

- shows understanding of positional words (e.g., before, after, over, under)

- uses positional words correctly when communicating (e.g., first, next, last, over, under)

Develops a sense of numerical concepts (number sense)

- shows one-to-one correspondence

- counts objects

- identifies more, less, and same

- recognizes numbers

Recognizes patterns

- describes patterns

- reproduces patterns

Pre-Kindergarten - Physical Development: Fine, Gross, and Sensory Motor Development

Attends to basic self-help skills (personal health and safety)

- uses appropriate language to convey needs and actions

- attends to daily routine tasks

Uses eye/hand coordination to perform fine motor tasks

- holds and turns page of a book correctly

- manipulates objects

- uses writing, drawing, art, and kitchen tools/manipulatives and the workbench with increasing skill and purpose

Demonstrates awareness and understanding of body and objects in physical space (gross and fine motor skills/personal health and safety)

- demonstrates use of positional words

- imitates body positions

- demonstrates balance and coordination

Shows judgment in interacting with play, materials, and equipment (gross and fine motor skills/personal health and safety)

- follows one and two-step directions with one object

- observes rules

- makes choices about materials and their use

Pre-Kindergarten - Social/Emotional Development

Plays by self and in small groups of two to five (collaborative play)

- uses acceptable ways of joining in an on-going activity or group

- begins give and take cooperative play

- waits his/her turn in playing games or using materials

- respects others' feelings in the context of group play

- shows pleasure in being with and having friends

- uses appropriate language in the context of social play

- interacts non-verbally with others with smiles, waves, and nods, as well as, responding to nonverbal cues

Develops listening skills

- follows simple (one-step) directions

- shows sensitivity to others as they speak in small or large group settings (taking turns in speaking in small/large group settings)

- listens attentively to adults when interacting with them

Develops problem-solving skills for resolving conflicts

- approaches others positively

- negotiates solutions and develops compromises with others in an age-appropriate manner

- develops an awareness of the feelings of others

- uses words rather than physical means to solve problems and express anger

- expresses own rights and needs appropriately

- begins to accept the consequences of own actions

Assumes age-appropriate responsibilities in the classroom

- participates in routines (large and small group time, transition time, and so forth)

- demonstrates appropriate use and care of classroom and personal materials

- begins to understand the concept of personal property versus community (classroom) property or the property of others

- understands the need for rules and begins to follow them

- makes relevant contributions to group time activities

Develops a positive self-concept

- offers and accepts affection and appreciation

- shows acceptance of individuals from different family configurations, cultural, and/or racial groups through positive interactions with class members and school staff

- expresses wishes and preferences clearly in an age-appropriate manner

- shows interest in others by exchanging information with them

- takes initiative in problem-solving

- takes pride in accomplishments and accepts disappointments without loss of interest in or focus on the activities at hand

Develops age-appropriate self-control

- begins to accept not being first at a game, activity, or classroom routine such as lining up

- expresses frustrations and anger effectively without harming self, others, or property (verbal or nonverbal responses)

- uses restraint and does not call inappropriate attention to self

Develops imagination and creativity

- uses descriptive language in role playing

- uses the arts (e.g., visual arts, music, dance) to express thoughts and feelings about the world in which the student lives

- uses words and pictures to create stories that describe feelings