SKILLS KIDS SHOULD HAVE BEFORE THEY START

KINDERGARTEN

Everyone knows that learning begins at home, but what should be taught?
Are there skills and concepts kids should master before entering kindergarten?
This list, which was compiled by researches for World Book, Inc. on the basis of
a survey of 4,500 kindergarten teachers, represents the ideal – something
parents can aim for. Don’t try to cram in all the lessons at once. Teaching these
skills and concepts doesn’t require large blocks of time. In fact, school-readiness
skills are best taught in small doses with repetition over months- and without
pressuring your child.

READING READINESS Knows age and birthday

LISTENING AND SEQUENCING
Remember pictures from a
printed page Follows simple directions
Repeats a 6 to 8 word Pays attention
sentence Recognizes common sounds
Pretends to read (and has Retells a simple story in
been read to frequently) sequence
Identifies own first name in
writing Repeats:
Prints some alphabet letters A sequence of sounds
Prints own first name (only A sequence of at least 4 orally
first letter in upper case) given numbers
Answers questions about a
short story SIZE, POSITION, & DIRECTION
Looks at pictures and can tell
a story Understands:
Understands that one reads Big and little
from left to right Long and short
Up and down
Knows: In and out
Names of letters of the Front and back
alphabet Over and under
Some nursery rhymes Hot and cold
The meaning of simple words Empty and full
More and less
Time: Fast and slow
Understands night and day Top and Bottom
Colors and Shapes: SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL
Recognizes primary colors DEVELOPMENT
Recognizes circles, triangles,
squares /rectangles Expresses self verbally
Identifies other children by
Numbers: name
Counts to 10 Can by away from parents for
Writes numbers 1-5 7 hours
Can count objects to 10 Looks forward to going to
school
MOTOR SKILLS Can take care of toilet needs
Is able to: independently
Run Cares for own belongings
Walk a straight line Dresses self
Jump Brushes teeth
Hop Joins in family conversations
Alternate feet walking down Carries a p late of food
stairs Maintains self-control
March Gets along with other children
Stand on one foot 5-10 Recognizes authority
seconds Shares with others
Walk backward for 5 feet Talks easily
Throw a ball Meets visitors without
Paste pictures on paper shyness
Clap hands Puts away toys
Button clothes Helps with family chores
Build with blocks Works Independently
Complete simple puzzles (5
pcs or less)
Draw and color beyond
scribbling
Zip clothes
Control pencil and crayon well
Handle scissors
Cut and draw simple shapes

Knows:
Body parts
Own first name
Own last name
Parents’ names
Home address
Home phone number
When to use a Kleenex
Own sex