As children begin their education, they are introduced to a wide range of concepts and skills that can be challenging to learn and master. From letters and numbers to social skills and fine motor skills, there are many areas where kindergarten students may struggle. As teachers and parents, we know there are many common challenges and we try to provide differentiated instruction and support to help students overcome them.
ThinkFives surveys hundreds of teachers to explore the Top 5 areas that many kindergarten students may struggle with, including letters and sounds, numbers and counting, fine motor skills, following directions, and social skills. For each topic, we’ve also highlighted specific challenges that students may face. If we better understand these common challenges, we can target support and help students develop.
Letters and Sounds
Kindergarten is often the first time that students are introduced to the alphabet and the sounds associated with each letter. Many children may struggle to recognize and differentiate between letters, and to understand how those letters combine to form words.
Additional challenges that kindergarten students may face in this area include:
- Difficulty recognizing lowercase letters
- Struggle to differentiate between similar-looking letters (such as b, d, p, q)
- Trouble understanding the concept of consonants and vowels
- Difficulty sounding out blends and digraphs (such as sh or ch)
- Struggle to understand the relationship between letters and the sounds they make
Numbers and Counting
Kindergarten students are also introduced to basic math concepts, such as numbers and counting. Students may struggle to identify and recognize numbers, and to understand how numbers relate to quantities.
Additional challenges that kindergarten students may face in this area include:
- Difficulty counting to 100 or beyond
- Struggle to understand the concept of number value (for example, that 5 is greater than 2)
- Trouble identifying numbers that come before or after a given number
- Difficulty with basic addition and subtraction concepts
- Struggle to recognize and write numbers beyond 10
Fine Motor Skills
Kindergarten students are still developing their fine motor skills, such as hand-eye coordination and finger dexterity. This can make it difficult for them to perform tasks such as cutting, drawing, and writing.
Additional challenges that kindergarten students may face in this area include:
- Difficulty with basic self-care tasks (such as buttoning clothes or tying shoes)
- Struggle with using scissors or other cutting tools
- Trouble with drawing basic shapes and figures
- Difficulty with holding a pencil or crayon correctly
- Struggle with basic handwriting and letter formation
Following Directions
Kindergarten students are learning to follow directions and complete tasks independently. This can be challenging for some students who may struggle with attention and focus.
Additional challenges that kindergarten students may face in this area include:
- Difficulty with following multi-step directions
- Struggle to remember and follow daily routines and schedules
- Trouble with staying on task and completing work independently
- Difficulty with understanding and following classroom rules and expectations
- Struggle to understand and follow directions given by peers and adults
Social Skills
Kindergarten students are learning how to interact with others and navigate social situations. This can be challenging for some students who may struggle with sharing, taking turns, and following social norms.
Additional challenges that kindergarten students may face in this area include:
- Difficulty sharing toys and materials with others
- Struggle with taking turns in games and activities
- Trouble with using appropriate language and behavior with peers and adults
- Difficulty with understanding social cues and norms, such as personal space or appropriate social distance
- Struggle with making and maintaining friendships
Are there key areas that you have identified where younger students struggle?
I give all props to kindergarten teachers. There is no possible way I could teach kindergartners! 😬
Social skills and ALL THE FINE MOTOR SKILLS!!! Kindergarten is so important, and the learning that begins here needs to continue into each and every grade in these areas!