I recently entered into a debate about what a child should know before entering kindergarten. Some think that academic education should not begin until kindergarten. Therefore a list would not be necessary. I take the approach that I will teach them what they will allow me to teach them I found this to be a great list for a reference guide. I hope those of you who have pre-schoolers will find this list helpful.
What Kids Should Know Before Kindergarten
A quick reference guide for parents and caregivers.
Sizes, Colors and Shapes
Understands big and little, long and short
Matches objects based on size and shape
Builds using graduated sizes for nesting and stacking
Recognizes likenesses and differences
Recognizes and names primary colors
Recognizes circle, square, rectangle and triangle
Completes simple puzzles up to five pieces
Copies simple shapes
Numbers
Counts orally through 10
Counts objects in one-to-one correspondence
Understands empty and full, more and less
Builds with blocks and construction toys
Reading Readiness
Has been read to frequently
Understands that print carries a message
Knows what a letter is, can recognize some letters
Looks at books or magazines, pretends to read
Remembers objects from a given picture
Uses left to right progression
Understands top and bottom of a page
Tells the meaning of simple words
Answers questions about a short story
Looks at pictures and tells a story
Identifies own first name in writing
Listening and Sequencing
Expresses self verbally
Recognizes some nursery rhymes
Identifies parts of the body
Identifies objects that have a functional use
Knows common farm and zoo animals
Repeats a sentence of six to eight words
Completes a sentence with the proper word
Listens carefully, follows simple directions
Recognizes common sounds
Repeats a sequence of sounds
Repeats a sequence of three to five orally given numbers
Retells simple stories in sequence
Position and Direction
Understands up and down, in and out, front and back, over and under, top and bottom, beside and next to, hot and cold, fast and slow. Identifies simple opposites.
Time
Understands day and night.
Knows age and birthday.
Motor Skills
Is able to run, walk a straight line, jump and hop, alternate feet walking down stairs, march, stand on one foot for five to 10 seconds, walk backward for 5 feet, throw and kick a ball, and clap hands.
Fine Motor Skills
Can button and zip, and touch fingers together. Is able to handle scissors, cut simple shapes and paste. Builds with construction toys and blocks. Draws and colors beyond a simple scribble and controls pencil and crayon well. Can copy simple objects and print own first name (manuscript, lowercase).
Social and Emotional Development
Can be away from parents without being upset.
Takes care of toilet needs independently.
Feels good about self and talks easily.
Dresses self and cares for own belongings.
Pronounces own first and last name.
Identifies other children by name.
Knows how to use a handkerchief or tissue.
Knows own sex and knows full name.
Brushes own teeth and washes own hands and face.
Knows parents’ names, home address and phone number.
Gets along with other children and plays cooperatively.
Expresses positive feelings about school and teachers.
Recognizes authority.
Enjoys playing with other children and shares with others.
Meets visitors without shyness.
Puts away toys and helps family with chores.
Is able to stay on task and work independently.
Can describe some basic emotions/feelings.
This list of school readiness skills is the result of a survey of 3,000 U.S. kindergarten teachers conducted by World Book Encyclopedia.
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