What does your child know thats starting Kindergarten 2012 NSW?

[Mildez]

We have very recently decided to send our DD to Kindergarten next year when we were previously waiting until she was 1yr older. As its been a very recent decision we have not done what we would have through out the year to prepare her Academically. So I am just wondering what othe children who are starting next year know.
Can they write their name? My daughter can
Count to 20 or above? My daughter counts to 12 before getting muddled up (ie 13, 15, 14 etc)
Alphabet? She doesn't know the song but recognises 20 and knows how to write the letters both small and Capitals without copying them or needing hints (she see's d's as b's and q's as p's she does get very confused)
Shoe laces? No we haven't tried that one yet.

[BeautifulMadness]

i have a nearly 5 yr old...who is @ kinder...well now ocming to the end of his time

He couldnt write his name before he started....within the first week he could.

He still cant do up shoelaces so i wouldnt worry.

My son could count to 13 then get confused but now he can count to 20.

You will be very surprised at exactly how much they learn in short space of time.

ive noticed alot and when they send home his portfolio....just how far he has come is very evident.

As for the alphbet song....thats something you can both do together...and they do learn it at kinder.

Sounds like she will be fine

[Olive]

are you talking 5 yr olds? my almost 5yr old is starting prep next year (i assume thats your kinder??) shes in 4 yr old kinder now
she can right own name (could do in 3 yr old kinder)
count to 100
knows her alphabet
can spell and is starting to read

[Mildez]

Yes Olive. Not sure the difference between states but kindergarten as the first year of schooling in NSW. My DD born April 07 is currently in the 3yr olds preschool (and enrolled in 4yr preschool for next year) but a few things have happened in the past few weeks hence the decision now not to hold her back.

[Olive]

DD1 is nov 06 baby
DD2 is feb 09 but wont go to primary school (prep) until 2015

[Beach Mama]

As a teacher and a mum to a May 07 kid let I would say she will be fine and there is a lot more to starting school than just the academics TBH.... Can she follow instructions and concentrate? Motor skills as far as holding scissors, glue pens etc.? How is her socialisation/sharing skills with other children? Can she dress/undress/ toilet herself? How will she cope with being away from you for long periods at a time?

My DD can write her name, most letters, can count up to 60 with a few prompts and about 35 alone, does simple equations adding etc. however socially she isn't ready to start - and luckily she can't start until the following year anyway(in Vic) and will do 4 yr old kinder next year.

Good luck making a decision!!