80 Skills That Help Ease the Transition to Kindergarten
Source: State: Arizona Department of Education
Topics: Kindergarten Readiness, Is My Child Ready for Kindergarten?, All Developmental Milestones (Ages 3-5), Reading and Writing Readiness, General Tips for Preparing for Kindergarten
Topics: Kindergarten Readiness, Is My Child Ready for Kindergarten?, All Developmental Milestones (Ages 3-5), Reading and Writing Readiness, General Tips for Preparing for Kindergarten
To be ready for kindergarten, preschoolers need a variety of skills. While few students possess all of them before they enter, here's a list of skills that will help make the transition easier, divided by subject area:
|
Reading Readiness |
Listening & Sequencing |
Hop | Identifies other children by name |
| Remembers pictures from a printed page | Follows simple directions | Alternate feet walking downstairs | Can take care of toilet needs independently |
| Repeats a 6 to 8 word sentence | Pays attention | March | Cares for own belongings |
| Pretends to read (has been read to often) | Recognizes common sounds | Stand on one foot 10 seconds | Dresses self |
| Identifies own first name in writing | Retells a simple story in sequence | Walk backwards for 5 feet | Brushes teeth |
| Attempts to print own first name | Repeats a sequence of sounds | Throw a ball | Can be away from parents for 2 to 3 hours |
| Answers questions about a short story | Repeats a sequence of numbers heard | Paste pictures on paper | Joins in family conversation |
| Looks at pictures and tells a story | Size, Position & Direction | Clap hands | Carries a plate of food |
| Understands words are read left to right | Big and little | Button clothes | Maintains self-control |
| Familiar with the letters of the alphabet | Long and short | Build with blocks | Gets along well with others |
| Knows some nursery rhymes | Up and down | Complete simple 5 piece puzzle or less | Talks easily |
| Knows the meaning of simple words | In and out | Draw or color beyond a simple scribble | Meets visitors without shyness |
| Time | Front and back | Zip clothes | Puts toys away |
| Understands day and night | Over and under | Control pencil and crayon well | My Child Knows… |
| Knows age and birthday | Hot and cold | Handle scissors | Body Parts |
| Recognizes Colors & Shapes | Empty and full | Cut and draw simple shapes | Own first name |
| Recognizes primary colors | More and less | Social-Emotional | Own last name |
| Recognizes triangles, circles, squares & rectangle | Fast and slow | Expresses self verbally | Parents' names |
| Numbers | Top and bottom | Looks forward to going to school | Home address |
| Counts to 10 | Motor Skills | Recognizes authority | Home phone number |
| Can count objects | Run | Shares with others | When to use a handkerchief |
| Walk a straight line | Helps with family chores | Own sex | |
| Jump | Works independently |
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