Kindergarten Readiness Checklist
To be successful in school, children need to be supported and nurtured in all areas of development.
With the Montessori approach, development is the main focus when it comes to Kindergarten readiness. It is very important that your child is physically, socially and emotionally ready for Kindergartenl. This checklist can help serve as your guide. But please remember, development is a nature process that can not be hurried or pushed. I happens naturally.
Montessori schools ask parents to consider these questions when it comes to Kindergarten readiness.
- Does your child…
- have strong motor strength, large and small?
- enjoy outdoor play such as running, jumping, and climbing;
- write his/her name and attempt to copy words?
- identify and draw and trace basic shapes;
- cut with scissors following lines;
- bounce a ball; or
- ride a tricycle?
Tips to help your child with physical skills
- Materials that will help your child develop the small motor skills needed to learn to write include manipulatives such as legos, building materials, pegs, twisting activities using jars and lids, puzzles, practical life activities, scooping, tonging, pouring as well as crayons, markers, pencils, glue, scissors, paper and paint.
- Activities that will help your child’s Large Motor include climbing, jumping, skipping, playing ball, using playground equipment and riding a tricycle.
Health and Safety Needs
Has your child…
- had required shots;
- had a dental exam;
- had a vision exam;
- learned own first and last name;
- learned first and last name of parent;
- learned to watch for cars when crossing the street;
- learned to not talk to strangers;
- developed a set routine for going to bed;
- follow rules for safety?
Tips to help your child with health and safety needs your child learn their full name, address and telephone number.
- Help your child to be aware, by looking both ways when crossing the street.
- Talk with your child about strangers and who to go to for help.
- bedtime as the opportunity to establish a routine by reading to your child and talking about their day.
Personal Needs – Helping your Child to help himself/herself
Independently can your child …
- use the bathroom;
- wash hands;
- brush teeth;
- use tissue to blow nose;
- button and zip up shirts and pants;
- put on and take off coat;
- tie and/or velcro shoes?
Tip to help your child with personal needs
- Create morning and bedtime bathing and tooth-brushing routines.
- Allow your child to dress themselves, giving them simple choices. “do you want to wear the blue shirt or the red one?”
- Practice putting shoes on.
- Encourage your child learn to use their words to tell other grownups when they are feeling sick or hurt.
Social and Emotional Skills
Does your child…
- play well with other children showing respect;
- separate from a parent easily;
- share with other children;
- aware of feelings of others;
- follow routines;
- clean up after themselves by putting toys away when asked?
Tips to help your child with social and emotional skills
- Give your child small chores to learn responsibility.
- Teach your child to follow directions by giving simple steps.
- Encourage your child to share and show respect toward others.
- Give your child encouragement when he or she does something well.
- Provide guidance and support when your child is having difficulty.