Is Your Child Ready For Kindergarten? Precious Memories PreSchool of Sandy

What academic skills should my child have before kindergarten?

In order to show kindergarten readiness, your child should be able to:

recognize and name basic shapes: square, circle, triangle, and rectangle
recognize and name numbers 1-10, even when they are out of order
count to 20
count 10 objects, pointing to each one as she counts
say or sing the alphabet
recognize the letters of the alphabet, both uppercase and lowercase (even out of order)
identify colors in an 8-ct crayon pack
recognizes own name
write their first name
sort items by size, color, or shape
hold a book and turn pages
tell if two words rhyme
identify some letter sounds
say their parents’ full names and phone numbers (at least one)

Non Academic Readiness

What other things (non-academic) does my child need to know how to do before kindergarten? Many of these items involve physical development and practicing basic tasks in everyday situations. Your child should be able to:

dress self, including putting on his coat and zipping it up
tie their own shoes
take turns and share
sit quietly and listen
follow simple directions
take care of basic personal hygiene, especially being able to use the bathroom (toilet) by herself, including fastening and unfastening zippers and buttons
put on their backpack
hold a pencil, crayon, or markers
use scissors to cut paper
put things away
hang their backpack on a hook
wash hands with soap
use a tissue to wipe their nose
cough into her elbow
stand in line
drink from a drinking fountain
raise their hand and wait to be called on
open any food containers in their lunch

What is the one most important thing parents can do to prepare their child for kindergarten?

Teach kindness and respect (for rules, property, and the feelings of others).
Expose kids to new situations, like playing at a different park or eating in a different setting.
Do activities at home where pre-kinders have to listen without interrupting, take turns, focus on the same activity for 15 minutes, use manners, etc.
Get used to a simple set routine or schedule.
Read! Teach them how to hold a book, how to turn pages, point out common words, etc.
Give them opportunities to play with other children and learn proper behavior (don’t push, take turns, etc).
Give them some responsibilities and teach them to follow through.
Teach nursery rhymes and songs.
Give them chances to be away from home and family so they feel comfortable and confident when they come to school.
Work on gross motor skills by helping them ride a tricycle, bouncing a ball back and forth, working on a simple puzzle, etc.

At Precious Memories Preschool of Sandy Hollow PreSchool of Sandy Hollow, we offer a special place for children to not only grow and develop along the way, but a place for them to CELEBRATE each and every step. If you are interested in enrolling your child in our program please fill out the form on this page or call us at 860.572.9958