Is My Child Ready? by Rhonda Henderson

              

 

 That is one of the most common questions parents consider when deciding if it is time for Kindergarten. It is time for Kindergarten registration (April 7) and our TWE Orientation for Incoming Kindergarten students (March 31- 6pm-7pm). Please spread the word in your neighborhoods.

 

It is important to remember that children develop at different times and at their own pace. While letter recognition and writing his/her name are important, it is more important that your child is socially, emotionally, and physically ready to tackle the demands of school. Please feel free to contact your child’s school if you have any questions.

 

In general, a child who is starting kindergarten should be able to demonstrate the following skills:

 

 

Personal and Social Readiness

 

·         Uses the bathroom independently

·         Dresses self and buttons/snaps shirts and pants and zips zipper

 

 

·         Knows own age and birthday

·         Separates from parents easily

·         Responds appropriately to adult authority

·         Pays attention for short periods of time to adult-directed tasks

·         Demonstrates self-control

·         Completes tasks willingly

·         Gets along well and shares with others

·         Takes turns when with playing with friends

·         Shows an interest in learning and coming to school

 

 

 

Fine and Gross Motor Readiness

·         Uses crayons, scissors and glue correctly

·         Traces basic shapes

·         Holds and writes appropriately with a pencil

·         Cuts straight lines

·         Can put on shoes and coat without help

·         Throws, catches and bounces a large ball

 

 

Communication Readiness

·         Speaks clearly and communicates needs

·         Uses phrases and sentences of five to six words

·         Can say his or her full name, address and phone number - including area code

·         Knows parents’ first and last names

·         Follows spoken directions and rules

·         Listens to a story without interrupting

 

 

 

Basic Cognitive Readiness

·         Identifies basic colors: Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Purple, Brown, Black

 

·         Shows an interest in books and learning to read

·         Recognizes the difference between letters and numbers

·         Identifies some alphabet letters

·         Recognizes some letter sounds

·         Understands positional words such as up, down, over, under, beside

·         Recognizes first and last name in print

·         Colors and “writes” (scribbles, tries to write letters and numbers)

·         Counts to 10

·         Shows an interest in numbers and counting