TK Readiness
What academic skills should my child have before Transitional Kindergarten?
In order to show TK readiness, your child should be able to:
- recognize and name basic shapes: square, circle, triangle, and rectangle
- recognize and name numbers 0-5, even when they are out of order
- count to 10
- count 10 objects, pointing to each one as they count
- say or sing the alphabet
- recognize many of the capital letters of the alphabet
- identify colors in an 8-ct crayon pack
- recognize & know the letters in order of their first name
- write their first name (it doesn’t have to look perfect!)
- sort items by size, color, or shape
- hold a book and turn pages
- identify some letter sound
- What other things (non-academic) does my child need to know how to do before Transitional 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 simple 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 TK:
- 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!