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Is it kindergarden or kindergarten?
Non-native and native speakers of English often confuse the words “Kindergarden” and “kindergarten.”
The truth is, the word kindergarden is not even a correct word. Kindergarten is often mispelt as kindergarden. The correct spelling of the word is kindergarten. It comes from the German language, meaning “children’s garden.”
What is kindergarten?
Kindergarten is the name of a place that young children can go to get early learning education before they enter primary school. Students attend kindergarten after preschool in the United States.
Kindergarten is often used to describe a learning space or educational institution where children between the ages of three to six can learn and play. It serves as an introduction to school.
The term “kindergarten” is commonly used in America. In the United Kingdom, the first year of school is known as “reception.” Preschool daycare is referred to as “nursery school” (two to four-year-olds). In Ireland, the first year of primary school is called “junior infants.” In Australia and New Zealand, it is known as “kindergarten” (often referred to as kinder or kindy) or “preschool,” depending on the location.
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What is the German translation of kindergarten?
Kindergarten comes from the German language. Kinder means child, and garten means garden. Therefore, kindergarten means “children’s garden.” A place that children can go to enjoy learning. It was introduced by the German educator Friedrich Fröbel in 1837.
What do students learn in kindergarten classrooms?
Kindergarten students follow a creative curriculum and develop skills such as:
- Language arts (oral language skills as well as reading and writing skills)
- Shapes and colors
- Numeracy
- Attention and following directions
- Greater awareness
- Social skills
- Physical education
The Physical Development of a Kindergarten Student
- Balance
- Walk on tiptoes
- Kick a ball
- Catch a ball
- Skipping
- Stand on one foot
- Grip a pencil
- Lace shoes
- Print name
- Use utensils
- Print name
- Use a scissors
- String beads
- Screw and unscrew nuts and bolts
Levels of Education in the US by Age Group
| Category | Grade Level | Age |
| Preschool | Pre-kindergarten | 3-5 |
| Elementary School | Kindergarten | 5-6 |
| 1st grade | 6-7 | |
| 2nd grade | 7-8 | |
| 3rd grade | 8-9 | |
| 4th grade | 9-10 | |
| 5th grade | 10-11 | |
| Middle School | 6th grade | 11-12 |
| 7th grade | 12-13 | |
| 8th grade | 13-14 | |
| High School | 9th grade (freshman) | 14-15 |
| 10th grade (sophomore) | 15-16 | |
| 11th grade (junior) | 16-17 | |
| 12th grade (senior) | 17-18 | |
| College/University | First year (freshman) | 18-19 |
| Second year (sophomore) | 19-20 | |
| Third year (junior) | 20-21 | |
| Fourth year (senior) | 21-22 | |
| Graduate School | 22 and up | |
| Continuing Education | Vocational Education | 16 and up |
| Adult Education | 18 and up |
Commonly Asked Questions
Is Pre K first or kindergarten?
Some people say that “pre-k” is the first year, and kindergarten is the second year. In most cases, pre-k ends after students turn four years old and then they can attend Kindergarten; however, there are exceptions to this rule.
Is kindergarten a British word?
The word “Kindergarten” originated in Germany, but the British use the word “nursery school” for what Americans call kindergarten.
How do you pronounce the word “kindergarten?”
In speech, most people pronounce the t as a d, depending on the region. The pronunciation may be with a T or, more commonly, with a D in American English; both are correct ways of saying it.
What is Kindergarden abbreviated?
The American spelling is ‘kindergarten’. It is most commonly abbreviated as KDG or KG.
What’s another name for the kindergarten teacher?
The kindergarten teacher may also be called the nursery-class teacher or infant teacher.
Why is kindergarten called kindergarten?
The term kindergarten dates back to 1837 when Friedrich Froebel set up the first kindergarten. This means “Garden of Children” in English and symbolized Froebel’s vision for early childhood education.
Other English Learning Resources
- Welcome Aboard vs Welcome on Board
- Compound-Complex Sentences
- Hook Sentence Examples for Grabbing Interest
- What are vowels and consonants?
- How any letters are in the alphabet?
I'm an Irish tutor and founder of TPR Teaching. I started teaching in 2016 and have since taught in the UK, Spain, and online.
I love learning new things about the English language and how to teach it better. I'm always trying to improve my knowledge, so I can better meet the needs of others!
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Nursery school (UK) and Kindergarten (US) are not synonymous. Nursery school is not compulsory, whereas Kindergarten is the first year of compulsory education in the US and some other countries.
Hi, Colin, thank you for your comment. In some states, kindergarten is not compulsory. Every state is different, so it is hard to pinpoint it exactly. But you are right; nursery school and kindergarten are not entirely the same. I will try to make that clearer in the post.