Building Children Ready for Kindergarten

Kindergarten Readiness can mean many things and can become quite confusing for families. Kindergarten Readiness means your child has the skills they need to start school with confidence. It’s not just about knowing letters or numbers—it’s also about being healthy, getting along with others, and being ready to learn in a classroom setting.

When we talk about being "ready," schools are looking at several important areas of your child’s development, including:

• Physical skills (like holding a crayon or running and jumping)

• Social and emotional skills (like sharing, taking turns, and handling big feelings)

• Language skills (like understanding directions or talking about their thoughts)

• Learning habits (like being curious, paying attention, and trying new things)

• General knowledge (like knowing colors, shapes, or how to count)

In kindergarten, kids learn a lot. They also need to follow a schedule, stand in line, listen to their teacher, and work and play with other children. That’s why social skills, independence, and self-control are just as important as knowing some letters or numbers.

Every child grows at their own pace, and there are lots of ways you can help your child get ready for this exciting step.

Here are some helpful materials provided by the School Readiness Advisory Action Team: 

Kindergarten Readiness Checklist for Parents 

Getting You and Your Child Ready for Kindergarten