Kindergarten Readiness

When it comes to knowing if a child is ready for kindergarten, there’s no such thing as a perfect formula. That being said, there are definitely factors that can be used to assess how prepared a child is for the things they will be expected to do and learn in kindergarten. Since education at this age is a topic that we’re passionate about, we want to share some of the top factors for determining kindergarten readiness.

IMPORTANT FACTORS FOR KINDERGARTEN READINESS

There are six main categories of factors. The first is expressive and receptive language. The key factors within this category are:

  • Speaks in complete sentences most of the time
  • Understands and follows directions with at least two steps
  • Understands vocabulary related to position, direction, size and comparison
  • Makes simple predictions and comments about a story being read

The second category is approach to learning and cognition. This includes:

  • Matches two like pictures in a set of five pictures
  • Classifies (same/different, alike/not alike) objects by physical features
  • Organizes objects that go together in groups
  • Recognizes, copies or repeats patterning sequence
  • Demonstrates the ability to correctly put in order or sequence up to three story pictures
  • Participates in repeating a familiar song, poem, fingerplay and/or nursery rhyme

Next up is phonological awareness and print knowledge. Key factors within this category include:

  • Recognizes own name in print
  • Recognizes familiar signs, words and logos in the child’s environment
  • Identifies two words that rhyme/sound the same when given rhyming picture words
  • Recognizes ten alphabet letter names (may include those in own name) by pointing to requested letter

Fourth is mathematics. Important factors for kindergarten readiness are:

  • Counts number of objects in small group (up to five objects)
  • Demonstrates an understanding of “adding to” and “taking away” using objects up to five
  • Identifies/points to three shapes (circle, square and triangle)

Second to last is social and emotional, which covers:

  • Identifies self as a boy or girl
  • Knows parent’s first and last name
  • Demonstrates independence in personal care (washing hands, dressing, bathroom use)

And the final category is physical development. The three factors in this category are:

  • Uses writing and drawing tools and child-sized scissors with control and intention
  • Copies figures such as a straight line, circle, X and plus sign
  • Demonstrates gross motor skills including hops, jumps, runs and catching a ball

In terms of how to improve kindergarten readiness, there’s a lot of research that has shown tablets are a very effective tool for accomplishing this goal. In fact, the research has shown that tablets can be used to level the playing field for kids who may not have otherwise been quite as prepared.

If you want to learn more about kindergarten readiness and how KLiCWow is helping kids from all backgrounds with this issue, be sure to take a look at our About page.

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