As you prepare your child for the magical world of kindergarten please look to these ideas so that the transition into school can be smooth and successful. You can also find links at the top of this page to give you more ideas, links, and resources for each topic touched on below.

READING

Before the beginning of kindergarten your child should be able to:

· Recognize 26 of the 52 letters out of order (this includes upper and lowercase letters)

· Independently identify and say at least 10 letter sounds

· Recognize and independently name all of the letters in his/her first name.

WRITING

Before the beginning of kindergarten your child should be able to:

· Use the correct grasp when holding a pencil, marker, crayon, etc.

· Independently write his/her first name.

· Independently draw pictures and then explain to you their drawing.

MATH

Before the beginning of kindergarten your child should be able to:

· Independently count to 20

· Independently recognize numbers 0-10 when shown out of order

· Independently count up to 10 objects

· Create and copy simple patterns

· Recognize basic shapes (square, triangle, rectangle, hexagon, circle) and colors

SOCIAL/EMOTIONAL

Before the beginning of kindergarten your child should be able to:

· Listen to adults and follow simple directions independently.

· Share and play with peers appropriately.

· Take care of things and put them away independently.

· Independently button/unbutton, zip/unzip, put on/take off, etc. their own clothes.

· Try to tie his/her own shoes.

· Use the restroom, wash hands, and do all other necessary self-care independently.

· Begin to teach and guide your child on how to critically think and solve his/her own simple problems and challenges without someone solving it for them (“I can’t find my ____ what do I do?” “I can’t _______ what should I do?”) When a problem arises, have YOUR CHILD come up with possible solutions and then let them try to solve it safely and appropriately on their own.