TK Readiness
What academic skills should my child have before Transitional Kindergarten?
In order to prepare for TK readiness, your child should be working towards the following skills:
- 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
- Introduction to alphabet recognition and letter sounds
- Identify colors in an 8-ct crayon pack
- Write their first name (it doesn’t have to look perfect!)
- Sort items by size, color, or shape
- Hold a book and turn pages
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 independently
- 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
- 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
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!