Is Your Child Ready for Kindergarten? Ten Questions to Ask

Every year, parents all over the country ask, "Is my child ready for kindergarten?" This is not a simple question that can be answered with a fast yes or no. While it is important to have a start on their academics, a child's social and emotional growth must also be taken into account.

When deciding if your child is really ready for kindergarten, here are ten things to consider:

1. Is your child excited about learning, about starting kindergarten?

Approach new situations enthusiastically, ask questions, enjoy trying new things, keep trying instead of giving up.

2. Does your child show basic academic knowledge?

Recite the ABCs, numbers up to 10, know primary colors and basic shapes.

3. Can your child take care of their own basic needs while at kindergarten?

Button their coat, tie their shoes, use the bathroom, wash their hands and use silverware correctly on their own?

4. Is your child showing desire to be independent?

Enjoy time away from parents, put their own things away, and take pleasure in doing things by themselves.

5. Does your child know his own personal information?

Clearly state their first and last names, their address and their phone number.

6. Can your child sit still for up to 30 minutes at a time while at kindergarten?

Not only sit still but listen and stay focused on the appropriate activity

7. Is your child's behavior under his control?

Uses their words over acting out physically, uses appropriate words and actions, doesn't cry when dropped off.

8. Does your child have Expressive/Receptive Language Comprehension?

Speak in full sentences, able to understand and then follow simple directions, capable of retelling an event they experienced.

9. Can your child demonstrate motor skills?

Both gross (throwing a ball, skip, climb) and fine (use scissors, hold a pencil) motor skills are needed daily in kindergarten.

10. Is your child capable of demonstrating acceptable social skills?

Plays and works with other children, understands authority, follows rules, understands about sharing.