Top 15 Things Every Child Should Know Before Entering Kindergarten

1.  Be able to state first and last name when asked.
2. Be able to write first name with first letter upper case and remaining letters lower case.
3. Use appropriate three-finger grasp when using writing instruments (pencils, crayons and scissors)
4. Count to at least thirty and tells what number comes before or after a given number to 20.
5. Know all the letters in their first name.
6. Identify basic geometric shapes (triangle, circle, square, rectangle, oval, star, rhombus (diamond) and heart)
7. Know basic colors (red, blue, green, yellow, orange, purple, black, white, brown, pink)
8. Identify numerals 1-10 in random order.
9. Make most letter/sound matches.
10. Identify most upper and lower case letters.
11. Use finger to accurately touch count items to ten.
12. Knows concepts of print (front and back of book, which page comes first, track words left to right).
13. Be able to rhyme words.
14. Retells simple stories in sequence.
15. When given a word (“man”) and a new beginning sound (/f/), creates the familiar word (“fan”)

Socially Your child should be able to...

1. Adjust own clothing before and after using restroom.
2. Use restroom independently including washing hands without reminder.
3. Take off and put on outer clothing
4. Sit for a story for 5-10 minutes
5. Clean up after themselves
6. Shares materials and toys with other children.
7. Attend kindergarten with a positive attitude
8. Be confident and ready to separate from parent.
9. Be able to listen and follow 2-3 step directions.
10. Be able to solve problems without aggression.

Help Prepare Your Child by...

1. Going to interesting places such as the beach, park, zoo, airport, farm or lake.  (Example: Use car rides to play I Spy, this encourages children to identify shapes, colors and helps develop their vocabulary in fun ways.)
2. Encourage your children to observe and talk about their experiences, as conversations with adults who care enrich a child’s vocabulary and understanding of world.
3. Make eye contact with your child while listening to them speak, showing them that you value what they say.
4. Expose your child to many kinds of literature by reading to them daily.
5. Praise and encourage your child’s efforts and curiosity, knowing that from mistakes come learning and confidence. Criticism can discourage children from trying new things and lower self confidence.