A Child Who Is Ready for Kindergarten ……
LANGUAGE
• Can speak in simple sentences.
• Can use a normal speaking voice.
• Knows how to whisper, speak softly, speak loudly and shout.
• Can express needs, feelings and opinions.
• Can answer questions and give information about self.
• Can relate experiences.
• Learns poems, songs and fingerplays.
• Can ask questions and ask for help.
• Has a good vocabulary acquired by daily language and story
experiences.
• Can stay on the topic being discussed in a group situation.
MANNERS AND SOCIAL SKILLS
• Does not interrupt conversations, stories and lessons.
• Is aware that other children are important too.
• Is learning the concept of fairness.
• Is learning that rules and procedures are important for the safety
and well being of all.
• Is learning that rules and expected behaviors might vary from place
to place.
• Is learning to take turns, raise hand and share.
• Says positive phrases such as: “please”, “thank you”, “I’m sorry”.
“excuse me”, etc.
• Takes care of personal belongings and school materials/equipment.
• Knows it is OK to make mistakes.
FINE MOTOR DEVELOPMENT
• Has had many experiences using crayons, paints, clay, books,
puzzles, beads, blocks, zippers, lacing activities, water, sand,
markers, Legos, scissors, and pencils, etc.
HEALTH AND SAFETY HABITS
• Covers mouth when coughing or sneezing.
• Puts used tissues and paper towels in trashcan.
• Uses the toilet properly.
• Attempts to put on own coat, boots, mittens, etc.
• Washes hands after using toilet, before eating, and when they look
dirty.
• Does not put objects in mouth.
• Knows sharp objects are dangerous and leaves them alone.
• Walks, does not run indoors and on walkways.
• Can wash face.
• Can blow nose.
• Tells an adult immediately when he/she or anyone else is bleeding.
• Does not trade combs or headgear.
LISTENING
• Enjoys stories, poems and music.
• Listens attentively to a story for at least 5 minutes.
• Can recall some details of a story or video.
• Can follow directions involving spatial concepts (under, behind, over,
next to, etc.)
• Can recognize sounds (household, animals, street, classroom, etc.)
• Can differentiate between high-low sounds and soft-loud sounds.
ACADEMICS
• Recognizes first name.
• Recites some rhymes and poems.
• Sings simple songs.
• Can “read” pictures.
• Enjoys books and stories.
• Knows that print is important.
• Is becoming aware of the relationship of speech to reading and
writing.
• Knows the alphabet song.
• Counts a little.
• Notices shapes and forms.