Kindergarten Readiness Checklist

Kindergarten teachers have complied a list of important "I Can" skills/ school readiness skills that can indicate a child's readiness for kindergarten. Although not requirements, the transition to kindergarten will be easier for the child if they are familiar with these concepts.

"I CAN" - Social, Emotional and Self Help Behaviors

• follow simple rules   
• pay attention for short periods of time to adult directed tasks 
• separate from my caregivers without being upset
• put on my coat and zip it up
• tie my shoes
• take turns
• share with others
• sit quietly and listen without interrupting
• follow simple directions
• use the bathroom by myself (including zipping/buttoning pants)
• put on my backpack
• hold a pencil or crayon
• cut with scissors
• put things away
• hang my backpack on a hook
• wash my hand with soap
• use a tissue to wipe my nose
• cough into my elbow
• stand in line
• drink from a drinking fountain
• open any food containers in my lunch
• raise my hand and wait to be called on

"I CAN" - Academic Skills

• recognize, name and trace basic shapes
• count and recognize numbers 1-10, even when out of order
• count 10 objects pointing to each one as I count
• say or sing the alphabet
• recognize the letters of the alphabet, both upper and lowercase
• identify colors in an 8-ct crayon pack
• sort items by size, color or shape
• speak understandably and in complete sentences
• recognize and write my first name
• tell if two words rhyme
• identify some letter sounds
• recognize some sight words like "go"
• hold a book and turn the pages
• look at pictures and then tell stories