By Fran Kettren – Kindergarten Teacher, Widefield Elementary School of the Arts
I love teaching kindergarten! The excitement of parents and children at the beginning of a new school year is so refreshing. Along with new crayons, markers, and pencils come the new faces of children to begin building new relationships. When I begin preparing for a new school year I always hope parents have resources to support in making the decision of when a child should begin kindergarten. Every child is different. Please look at your child without comparing them to others. You know your child best!
Many parents ask if their child is ready for kindergarten. Use the following checklist to help you decide your child’s kindergarten readiness.
My child can:
- write first name
- recognize the letters in their name and other letters of the alphabet
- count to 10
- use writing tools (pencils, marker, crayons)
- use a pair of child size scissors
- zip, snap, button
- go to the restroom independently
- communicate needs through speech
- sit for 15 minutes completing a hands-on activity (coloring, writing, art project, etc.)
- pick up toys and art supplies
- share when playing with others
After looking over the checklist, decide if your child needs to practice any of these skills. Helping your child master the above list will help them have a successful beginning to kindergarten. If you begin to practice now, they will be more than ready for kindergarten in fall.