Kindergarten Readiness
What academic skills should my child have before Kindergarten?
In order to show Kindergarten readiness, your child should be able to:
- recognize and name basic shapes: square, circle, triangle, and rectangle
- count to 20
- count 10 objects, pointing to each one as she counts
- say or sing the alphabet
- recognize most of the letters of the alphabet, both uppercase and lowercase (even out of order)
- identify colors in an 8-ct crayon pack
- recognize his/her first name
- write his/her first name
- sort items by size, color, or shape
- hold a book and turn pages
- tell if two words rhyme
- identify some letter sounds
- know the address (street and city)
A child doesn’t need to be reading before Kindergarten (and most kids aren’t), but your child should be read to regularly. Teaching nursery rhymes is a great way to get kids reading-ready: knowing how to rhyme is HUGE when it comes to learning how to read.
What other things (non-academic) does my child need to know how to do before Kindergarten? Your child should be able to:
- put on his/her coat and zip it up
- put on his/her shoes independently
- take turns and share
- sit quietly and listen
- follow multiple step directions
- use the bathroom by him/herself (including zipping and buttoning pants, and privacy rules!)
- put on his/her backpack
- hold a pencil or crayon with tripod grip
- cut with scissors
- put things away
- wash his/her hands with soap
- use a tissue to wipe his/her nose
- cough into his/her elbow
- stand in line
- raise his/her hand and wait to be called on
- open any food containers in his/her lunch or be able to ask for help
Some extra things parents can do to get their child ready for Kindergarten:
- Teach kindness & respect (for rules, property, and people).
- Do activities at home where your child has to listen without interrupting, take turns, focus on the same activity for 15 minutes, use manners, etc.
- Read, read, read and read some more!
- Give your child opportunities to play with other children.
- Give your child some responsibilities and teach him/her to follow through.
- Teach nursery rhymes and songs.
- Give your child chances to be away from home and family so he/she feels comfortable and confident when he/she comes to school.
- Give your child opportunities to be independent!