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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!