9 Ways to Find Out if Your Child is Prepared for Kindergarten

Is your child ready for kindergarten?

To a teacher, a child prepared for kindergarten has the skills to participate in class in order to learn the concepts and skills taught throughout the year.

Whether your child is a toddler or just about to enter pre-kindergarten, here are nine indicators of kindergarten readiness as well as tips for helping your child prepare for formal schooling.

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With the Internet, finding resources to help children learn is as easy as the click of a button. But how do you figure out what will actually help your child prepare for kindergarten?

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1. Your child can listen to others.
   When you are talking, gently encourage your child to listen without interrupting.
2. Your child can communicate needs.
   With your child, imagine a situation in which he has a problem or wants something, and help him practice how to communicate those needs: “Can you help me with this puzzle?”, “My finger hurts.”
3.  Your child can state his or her name and the names of family members.
   Teach your child the names of everyone in the household, and practice answering questions like “What is your Mom’s name?”, etc.
4. Your child can obey simple rules.
   Point out examples of following rules such as waiting in line at the grocery store or washing hands before eating.
5. Your child follows instructions.
   Start giving your child one-step directions such as “Please pick up your towel.” Then move on to two-step directions such as, “Please pick up your towel and put it in the basket.”
6. Your child can engage in and complete an activity.
   Play a short game such as “Go Fish” to the end, and later introduce longer games.
7. Your child can work independently.
   Encourage your child to do as much as she can on her own when doing puzzles, coloring, or creating art projects.
8. Your child can manage his or her own clothing or go to the bathroom on their own.
   Have your child practice using zippers, buttons, and snaps.
9. Your child works and plays well with other children.
   Take your child to a playground or set up play dates to accustom your child to playing with other children.

Looking for an award-winning program to help your child prepare for preschool through first grade?