Kindergarten » Kindergarten Readiness

Kindergarten Readiness

 
Everyone knows that learning begins at home.  But what should be taught?  Are there skills and concepts kids should master before entering kindergarten?  This list, which was compiled by researchers for World Book, Inc., on the basis of a survey of 4,500 kindergarten teachers, represents the idea, something parents can aim for.  Don’t try to cram in all the lessons at once; teaching these skills and concepts don’t require large blocks of time.  In fact, school-readiness skills are best taught in small doses, with repetition over months and without pressuring your child. 
READING READINESS
  • Remembers pictures from a printed page
  • Repeats a 6 – 8-word sentence
  • Pretends to read (and has been read to frequently) Identifies own first name in writing 
  • Prints own first name 
    Answers questions about a short story
  • Looks at pictures and tells a story Understands that one reads from left to right
REPEATS
  • A sequence of orally given numbers
  • A sequence of sounds
TIME
  • Understands night and day
SIZE, POSITION, AND DIRECTION
  • Front and back
  • Over and under
  • More and less
  • Empty and full
  • Fast and slow 
  • Big and little
  • Up and down
  • In and out
  • Long and short
  • Top and bottom
NUMBERS
  • Counts to 10
  • Can count objects
  • Recognizes and knows numbers 1 – 10
RECOGNIZES
  • Primary colors 
  • Triangles, circles, squares/rectangles
MOTOR SKILLS
  • Run
  • Walk a straight line
  • Jump
  • Hop
  • Alternate feet walking downstairs
  • Clap hands
  • Button clothes
  • Build with blocks
  • Complete simple puzzles (5 pieces or fewer)
  • Cut and draw simple shapes
  • March
  • Stand on one foot 5-10 seconds
  • Walk backwards for 5 feet
  • Throw a ball
  • Paste pictures on paper
  • Draw and color beyond a simple scribble Zip clothes
  • Control pencil and crayon
  • Handle scissors
SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT
  • Joins in family conversations
  • Carries a plate of food
  • Maintains self-control
  • Gets along with other children
  • Recognizes authority
  • Shares with others
  • Talks easily
  • Meets visitors without shyness
  • Puts away toys
  • Helps with family chores
  • Expresses self verbally
  • Identifies other children by name
  • Can be away from parents 2-3 hours
  • Looks forward to going to school
  • Can take care of toilet needs independently
  • Cares for own belongings
  • Dresses self
  • Brushes teeth
  • Works independently
KNOWS
  • Body Parts
  • First name
  • Last name
  • Parents’ names
  • Home address
  • Home Phone Number
LISTENING AND SEQUENCE
  • Recognizes common sounds
  • Retells a simple story in sequence
  • Follows simple directions
  • Pays attention 
RECOGNIZES and KNOWS
  • The meaning of simple words
  • Letters of the alphabet 
  • Some nursery rhymes