Is My Child Ready for Kindergarten?

March 2, 2018

That first day of school is a big day for your child (and for you!). You want to make sure you’re sending them off into that new world set up for success. You want to be fully confident that they’re ready to make friends, stay safe, and start off on the right foot at the beginning of their learning adventure.

While every child develops skills at varying rates that don’t fit a perfect “formula,” certain guidelines can help you decide when it’s the right time to enroll. Yes, kindergarten is partly about numbers and letters, but it’s about so much more. As you consider enrolling your child in kindergarten, pay attention to their overall preparedness in the following areas.

Is my child physically ready?

Large motor skills

Runs, jumps, and climbs outdoors
Bounces a ball
Rides a tricycle

Fine motor skills

Cuts with scissors
Writes name with one capital letter

Is my child academically ready?

Knows upper case letters
Knows lower case letters
Knows most letter sounds
Can count to 20
Can count objects to 10

Is my child socially and emotionally ready?

With adults. . .

Can be separated from a parent without being upset
Can follow directions (including 2-step instructions) and routines
Can sit and listen to a story
Can ask for help

With peers. . .

Can play well with others
Shares
Takes turns
Cares about the feelings of others

Can my child meet their personal needs without help?

Uses bathroom
Washes hands
Brush teeth
Uses a tissue to blow nose
Buttons and zips up shirts and pants
Puts on and takes off coat
Ties and/or puts on Velcro shoes

What about health and safety?

Medical

Has required shots
Has awareness of severe allergies (peanut, bee sting, gluten, etc.)

Safety

Knows own first and last name
Knows first and last name of parent
Watches for cars when crossing the street
Knows not to talk to strangers

What can your son or daughter check off of this list? Make it fun!

Download this kindergarten readiness chart to post to your fridge. Let your child choose stickers at the grocery store, and when they’ve achieved one of the goals on the list, they earn a sticker!

Still not sure if your child is ready?

After considering the categories of kindergarten readiness, you may still be uncertain if your child is ready. What if your child is “borderline?” Will he or she change in the next couple of months? Would it be better to wait another year? We would be happy to meet with you and discuss your questions and concerns so your child can say with confidence, “I am ready for kindergarten!”

Schedule a visit at Mansfield Christian School today!