Kindergarten Readiness Checklist

Are you wondering if your child is ready for kindergarten? As a mom to three boys and a former teacher, I know that it’s common to wonder if your child is ready for kindergarten. It’s such a big milestone and exciting time for your child!

Many parents have asked me these questions…

“How do I know if my child is ready for kindergarten?”

“What does my child need to know before going to kindergarten?”

Parents want a checklist and I totally get that! Today I have made that easier for you with my kindergarten readiness checklist! You can print out the checklist and mark off the skills that your child has already mastered and identify the skills your child still needs to work on!

Is My Child Ready for Kindergarten?

The biggest thing I tell parents is this… preparing your child with academics is not the most important thing. Yes, our society puts a big emphasis on preschool and doing lots of activities to prepare them for school, but honestly, having good character, being respectful, being a good friend, and showing kindness to others are more important than academics.

Even if you think your child may be behind in academics, it’s ok! Teachers know how to meet the needs of their students, so just remember this before you look at my kindergarten readiness checklist.

Free Checklist for Kindergarten Readiness

This list of standards was put together by looking at public school, private school, and homeschool standards. I am a former teacher and through teaching experiences with early childhood education during college, I believe this list is a good way to assess how ready your child is for kindergarten.

You can print this list and check off the skills as they master them. I know this list may seem big, but just working on what you can really benefit your child. I hope this list will be a helpful guide, whether you homeschool or send your child to school. Either way, it is still good to know what your child should know before kindergarten.

Kindergarten Readiness Skills

The checklist is divide into 14 categories.

Alphabet

• recites the alphabet
• identifies uppercase letters
• identifies lowercase letters
• matches uppercase to lowercase letters

Writing

• traces letters and numbers
• writes some letters
• experiments with a variety of writing tools and materials
• writes first name
• draws pictures or scribbles to communicate ideas
• copies simple and complex shapes (line, circle, square)
• initiates the act of writing

Reading Readiness

• listens to read aloud stories
• shoes interest in reading-related activities
• recognizes that pictures or print carry messages
• understands left to right movement of reading
• identifies the front and back of books
• holds book correctly
• retells information from a story
• predicts what will happen next in the story
• sequences 3 pictures to tell a story
• matches rhyming pictures

Listening Skills

• understands directions
• follows 2-step directions

Verbal Skills

• speaks in sentences
• initiates conversations with peers
• uses appropriate volume when speaking
• can express and describe feelings
• participates in conversations during group activities
• answers a variety of questions (yes, no, what, who, what, where)

Math

• sorts by color, shape, and size
• orders several objects based on 1 attribute
• recognizes simple patterns and can duplicate them
• counts to 20
• counts objects with meaning to 10
• recognizes numerals 0-10
• uses one-to-one correspondence while counting
• identifies a circle, square, triangle, and rectangle
• understands directional concepts
• understands comparative words
• identifies colors

Gross Motor Skills

• runs
• skips
• hops
• gallops
• leaps
• jumps
• pedals and steers a tricycle
• climbs a playground ladder
• throws a ball with direction
• catches a thrown ball with arms and body
• bounces a ball

Fine Motor Skills

• stacks 10 one-inch blocks
• buttons
• strings beads
• zips
• snaps
• laces
• grasps pencil correctly
• uses scissors
• uses glue neatly
• completes a simple puzzle
• uses tweezers
• makes a pancake, snake, and ball from play dough

Art

• explores different art materials
• draws lines and shapes
• interprets pictures

Music

• participates in group music experiences
• plays simple instruments
• moves rhythmically to music (dances)
• sings

Drama

• make believes with objects
• takes on pretend roles and uses dramatic play

Self Knowledge

• states age and birthday
• recites first and last name
• knows address
• recites phone number

Health

• brushes teeth
• washes hands
• dresses for the weather
• follows proper bathroom procedures
• able to put shoes and coat on
• distinguishes health vs. non-healthy foods

Social Skills

• plays with others
• takes turns and shares
• cleans up after playing
• participates in group activities
• interacts with familiar adults
• considerate of other people’s feelings
• respects items belonging to others
• listens when others speak
• seeks adult help during conflicts
• uses manners
• follows rules and routines
• expresses self with words

You can get the printable checklist sent to your inbox by filling out the form below.

Remember that every child is unique and their learning and growth may differ slightly from other children the same age. If you do notice your child is unable to do many of the skills listed, you may want to talk to a health professional.

Helping your child develop good character, reading to them, making memories, and spending time with your child is the MOST important thing you can do to prepare them for kindergarten.