Is My Preschooler Ready For Kindergarten?

How do I know my preschooler is ready for kindergarten? Many skills are needed for kindergarten. To succeed in school, preschoolers must be prepared with self-help skills, academic skills and motor skills. This article will address skills a typical preschooler will need to be ready for kindergarten. A preschooler’s learning occurs at an individual rate. Your preschooler may not have mastered everything on this list, but check back occasionally. As you return to this page, you will see the skills your preschooler acquires in a short period of time.

Self Help Skills

 - Separates easily from me for short periods of time
 - Follows simple rules
 - Handles toilet needs independently
 - Washes hands without assistance
 - Shows self-control
 - Buttons, zips, snaps clothing

Look for opportunities to practice these skills. Allow your preschooler to dress and undress themselves. Leave them with another caregiver for a few hours. Be consistent with rules, so when it is time for school, your preschooler is already practiced at following them.

Cognitive Skills (Reading & Math)

- Knows position concepts, such as over, under, in front of, behind 
- Identifies shapes 
- Identifies colors 
- Uses 5 to 6 word sentences
- Recognizes name and common words
- Recognizes and identifies several letters
- “Reads” environmental print (i.e. STOP signs) 
- Knows letters make sounds 
- Identifies rhyming words 
- Counts to 10 by memory (rote counting) 
- Identifies groups of items up to 5 
- Sorts items of similar size, shape, and colors 
- Identifies patterns

Make every outing a field trip for your preschooler. A trip to the grocery store is an amazing learning experience. Discuss the packages in the store, name colors, shapes, letters and numbers to build reading and math skills. Make up rhymes while waiting in line. Count the people in line ahead of you. Not only does your preschooler learn, but it also passes the time quickly and keeps your preschooler busy!

Motor Skills

- Holds a pencil with a “tripod” grip 
- Bounces a ball 
- Climbs, jumps, hops, kicks 
- Pedals a tricycle 
- Copies lines 
- Draws a circle 
- Traces letters and shapes

Provide paper and writing utensils for your preschooler to practice their fine motor skills. Scrap paper and pencils are fine, color books and worksheets are often difficult for a preschooler! Allow plenty of outside time to work on gross motor skills. Outdoor play is a great time to develop healthy habits and build those motor skills. 

As your preschooler accomplishes more of these skills, they are becoming more and more prepared for kindergarten. Find many fun ways to help your preschooler realize kindergarten readiness goals at PreschoolRock.com.