In observing my son's kindergarten class last year, it was clear that kids enter kindergarten with a really wide range of skills. Some kids were already reading and doing addition and others were working on learning their colors, letters, and shapes. So I think "normal" represents a pretty broad spectrum.

If you're at all concerned that your daughter might have developmental or learning challenges, I'd make an appointment with your pediatrician to talk about it. It's much better for you and for your daughter to get a diagnosis early rather than having you both struggle. If your pediatrician says everything's ok then you could just pick a couple of things to work on over the summer to help her get a leg up for kindergarten next year. There are lots of fun games and activities to help kids her age practice basic skills (like learning letters and numbers). Flash cards may just not be fun enough to inspire her to learn.

Good luck!

Kat

I think a child entering Kindergarten should most certainly know the difference between numbers and letters on flash cards.  They should be able to write and spell their name.  I think tying shoes comes later.

They must know how to tie their shoes...they also need #'s and letter's. Reading and spelling at 5 is excellent but it is part of the curriculum K-5. My friend has an awesome low price shoe tying kit. She helps raise money for autisim research. : )

he should know his alphabet his numbers at least 1-10 or 1-20 his shapes and more.

There are a lot of children in kindergarten that already know those things but don' t get to upset. The flash cards may be just boring to your child. I have three children; my oldest learned better with things that dealt with music, my middle child learned by seeing and doing- he did good with flash cards, my youngest likes them all singing, flash cards, games everything.
I tell you not to get to upset because schools vary; where I live kindergarten is like first grade every place isn't like that. Also, my daughter went to Pre-k and she knew a lot and she was bored. There are websites you can go on like starfall.com and phonics.com to help with the ABC'S, sounds and reading and it's fun. Math you may want to start with simple games like hop scotch, jumping blocks. Also, PBS KIDS, Nick Jr.,Sprout channel, some people don't agree with t.v. but it depends on the child. While walking or playing point out shapes or colors tell your child to give you the red car or the circle toy.I hope this helps.

Each child has different strengths and weaknesses but your child can learn to read and write this year with your help and communication with the teacher. Buy your child some velcro shoes for now : ) that way the teacher has more time to teach. Spend time learning through play ABC puzzles, Number puzzles, games buy fair trade, local, or Melissa and Doug if you can afford it and if not the dollar store and target dollar part has AMAZING learning tools. Also if your child likes computers spend 5-10 minutes a day WITH HER on StarFall.com it is FREE and many children go from not knowing how to sing the ABC’s to doing the free printable worksheets (with help) and knowing all their letter sounds in a month or two!!! On starfall go in ABC order and have fun don’t make it overwhelming or jump around. Do no more then one new letter a day or even better, ask the teacher what the letter of the week is and work on the same letter and number using this tool!!! I love STAR FALL curriculum it really is great but it is you that is your childs best teacher.

Look at your child as an investment what you put in her is what you will get back in the long run.Your child can get by not tieing her shoes but she need to know her numbers 0 to 20, to write her name and alot more.You have to be the teacher put yourself in the teacher shoes.And just have fun with learning keep in mind that the child is new at this.  :>)

While working in the field of Early Childhood Education in Northern California for the past 23 years, I have seen numerous changes for Kindergarten expectations.  After several conversations with local Kindergarten teachers I have yet to hear on the top of the list that a 4/5 year old child must know how to tie his/her shoe laces.  At this age children are still learning how to properly hold a pencil, be on task, and have respect for self and others.  

Children should be able to take care of their own bathroom needs, follow a simple 3 step direction, easily separate from their parent's at drop off time,  sit for an extended length of time and have recognition of most letters and sounds.  

Phonemic awareness must be introduced though a variety of activities that are inviting, fun and exciting for preschoolers, allowing children to connect beginning sounds to concrete items.

Incorporating the use of 5 senses may help your child begin to understand the difference of letter sounds, recognition and numbers.  Imagine trying to remember the sound of letter "A" through dittos instead of making an apple pie, viewing an ant farm or making arches through art.  I'd scrap all dittos, these are too abstract and not concrete.   I personally don't understand why preschool teachers expect children to sit and write letters and their names at the beginning of a school year prior to knowing the sounds of the alphabet.  

When a child is well rounded in these areas, then I believe a child is ready to learn.....and is prepared for entering Kindergarten.

I understand your concerns for your child and if your child's preschool teacher cannot give you answers and is at a loss, I would contact my local school district and request an observation/assessment for my child.  State that you understand they have 30 days to respond to you and don't give up.   This is free of cost (Calif.).  Also, speak with your local Kindergarten teachers and they can give you helpful hints as to what direction you may want to take...they may even suggest the gift of one more year of preschool.
Best of luck!