Kindergarten Readiness

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 to an entire story
   
• 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!