Prep for the Pint-Sized Rigors of Kindergarten

Familiarize your child with these developmental skills before entering kindergarten! If he has not mastered each of these areas before entering kindergarten, it is okay. Each child develops at his own unique pace and acquires various skills at different times. You may find that your child has grown in some of these areas, and is still developing in others. Here is a list of developmental indicators - in no particular order - to foster in your child.

Looks at pictures and tells a story. Knows alphabet and some simple words. Attempts to print first name, and can identify own name in writing. Understands words are read from left to right. Remembers pictures from a printed page. Pretends to read.

Understands and follows simple two step directions. Pays attention. Recognizes common sounds. Repeats a sequence of numbers heard. Retells a simple story in sequence. Repeats a 6 to 8 word sentence.

Speaks in complete sentences most of the time. Repeats a familiar song, nursery rhyme, or poem. Communicates needs with words, pictures, or signals.

Matches 2 like pictures in a set of 5 cards. Classifies objects by physical features: shape, color, and size. Recognizes copies or repeating patterns. Organizes alike objects into groups. Can complete a 4 piece puzzle.

Can identify or point out primary colors. Recognizes simple shapes, like triangles, squares, circles, squares and rectangles.

Understands day and night. Knows age and birthday. Familiar with months and days of the week.

Counts to 10. Can count objects in a small group. Can sequence numerals in order from 1 to 5. Can match a numeral (0 - 5) with a cluster with that number of objects. Understands the concepts 'more' and 'less.'

Can identify age and gender. Cares for self by washing hands, using bathroom, and dressing self. Appears comfortable separating from parent. Maintain self-control. Puts toys away.

Talks easily. Verbally expresses needs and interests. Recognizes authority. Plays and shares with others. Helps with household chores. Joins in family conversation. Identifies peers and family members by name.

Can button and zip clothes. Cuts and draws simple shapes. Builds with blocks. Can cut and paste pictures onto paper. Claps hands. Draws or colors beyond a simple scribble. Grips pencil or crayon with control. Draws simple shapes.

Can run, jump, hop, and walk a straight line. Catches and bounces a ball. Alternates feet walking downstairs. Can stand on one foot for about 10 seconds.

Recites first and last name. Knows parents or other family members' first and last name. Knows home address and telephone number. Identifies body parts.