Kindergarten Readiness

Children's readiness for kindergarten depends on many factors. A child's levels of social, physical and academic development as well as the nature of the kindergarten classroom all contribute to a successful experience. Teachers and parents find that children who are most ready for the school environment often display many of the characteristics on this list. As you consider kindergarten enrollment, you may want to think about how your child is developing in these areas.

  • Enjoys being with others
  • Is learning to follow simple rules for getting along with others
  • Is learning to take turns and cooperate in a group
  • Is learning to share an adult's attention with other children
  • Is able to stay in a self-chosen activity 15 or 20 minutes
  • Is learning to observe the property rights of others
  • Feels comfortable being away from parents or child care provider for short periods
  • Is learning to cope with minor disappointments
  • Is learning to take care of personal property
  • Feeds self
  • Uses the toilet without assistance from others
  • Is able to put on a coat without help
  • Attends in a large group setting for brief periods of time
  • Puts toys away when asked
  • Can follow a short sequence of simple directions
  • Understands simple ideas, such as big and small, up and down, above and below
  • Enjoys listening to stories
  • Is able is express self clearly in speaking
  • Asks questions to get information
  • Is able to tell about own experiences
  • Discusses stories told or television programs viewed
  • Identifies familiar objects at home
  • Can tell how common objects are used
  • Identifies objects which have particular uses, such as things to wear, things to eat
  • Understands some number ideas, such as one hat and two crayons
  • Identifies some colors
  • Identifies sounds in own environment, such as a dog barking or a horn blowing
  • Draws simple figures
  • Is able to draw a circle and a square
  • Is able to hop on one foot two or more times in a row
  • Is able to catch a large bouncing ball
Prince George County Schools, Virginia

The following is a link to the National Education Association's "Parent's Guide to Preparing Children For School" http://www.nea.org/parents/preparechild.html

This page was last modified on 8/17/06