Kindergarten Readiness

This is the time of year parents start to register their kids for kindergarten and they wonder if their child will be ready in September. Many school districts rely on age as the determining factor for school readiness but some educators believe that how much experience a child has in a school like setting is just as important of a factor. .

Some districts test children before the school year starts. The kindergartners may be evaluated on their physical development, ability to recognize the alphabet of his or her knowledge of body parts, colors and shapes. These tests attempt to evaluate your child’s physical and cognitive development.

What should you do if your district doesn’t offer testing before entering Kindergarten? Below are a few guidelines to look for at home:

Language

• Does your child speak in full sentences
• Can they explain events they experienced

Motor Skills

• Can your child throw a ball, skip and climb
• Do they use scissors and hold a pencil

Social & Other Skills

• Do they understand the concept of sharing
• Can your child dress him/herself
• Do they wash their own face and hands
• Does your child play well with others
• Do they follow rules and directions

There is no way to tell if your child is truly ready for kindergarten. You, as their parent. are the best judge of kindergarten readiness.