Countdown to kindergarten

Does your kindergartner show these signs of

school-readiness?

In general, children who are ready for school …

… can work on their own at times
… enjoy participating in activities
… are predictable and consistent in their behavior and work patterns
… love school
… are able to follow a daily routine
… are able to sit still and work quietly for a time

Cognitively, children who are ready for

school …

… know their left hand from their right
… can name four colors
… recognize some numbers and can count to 10
… can copy a shape such as a square
… know the alphabet song and show an interest in and recognize a few letters
… look at books and pretend to read them
… can retell a simple story
… understand basic safety rules
… know household objects by name: bed, chair, refrigerator

Physically, children who are ready for school …

… take care of their own toilet needs
… have mastered personal hygiene skills: washing hands, covering a cough, using a tissue
… can dress themselves, use zippers and buttons, and tie shoes
… does simple chores like putting toys away
… can manage a cafeteria tray and open a milk carton
… has gross motor skills: alternating feet on stairs, standing on one foot, walking in a straight line or backwards
… has fine motor skills: drawing, using scissors and cutting simple shapes, writing all or part of name, holding a pencil correctly
… can sit still for short period of time; doesn’t tire easily
… speaks clearly enough to be understood by strangers
… can verbally communicate their wants, needs and thoughts
… can follow directions, even if in two or three parts

Emotionally, children who are ready for

school …

… can take care of their own personal belongings
… can be left with a babysitter or another adult without a big fuss
… don’t easily cry, lose self-control or become aggressive during games
… don’t appear withdrawn, suck their thumb, bite their nails or use baby talk

Socially, children who are ready for school …

… easily share things
… are able to make friends
… are able to keep friends
… can take turns and play well with other children
… identify other children by name
… have good manners: “please,” “thank you,” and basic table manners

Nothing but the tooth

The development of teeth in young children frequently parallels their overall development. In general, a child’s bottom front teeth have loosened by the end of the year prior to entering kindergarten. When a child’s teeth develop slowly, this can be an indication of developmental youngness as a whole.

Not ready yet?

Generally, children who are in the wrong grade show signs of distress. They may withdraw, develop nervous habits, complain of aches and pains so they can stay home from school, play best with children who are younger than they are, cry easily, and revert to the behavior of a much younger child.

Jumpstart with reading time

Reading with your child is a great way to get him ready for school. And make it an interactive experience: Ask him questions about what you read together. What did you like about the story? Why did you like it? What was the most important part?

And remember: Reading aloud with your child can become a treasured time together, so read with your child for 20 minutes a day or more