Kindergarten Readiness Checklist

What is Kindergarten Readiness?

Kindergarten readiness refers to whether a child has the skills, knowledge, and attitudes necessary to succeed in kindergarten. Research shows that children who enter school ready to learn are more likely to achieve academic success throughout their education. However, readiness isn't about perfection—it's about having a foundation to build upon.

Why Use a Readiness Checklist?

A readiness checklist helps parents and caregivers identify where their child excels and where they might benefit from additional support. It provides a roadmap for focused activities and conversations with teachers and pediatricians. Remember: every child develops at their own pace, and this checklist is a guide—not a report card.

Language & Literacy Skills

Language and literacy form the foundation for learning across all subjects. Children entering kindergarten benefit from exposure to books, conversations, and letter recognition activities.

• Recognizes and names most uppercase and lowercase letters
• Knows the sounds of most letters
• Can write and recognize their first name
• Holds a book correctly and turns pages
• Understands that print is read left to right
• Can retell a simple story in sequence
• Follows 2-3 step directions
• Speaks in complete sentences (5-6 words)

Math & Number Skills

Early math skills predict later academic success even better than early reading skills. Focus on making numbers and patterns part of everyday life.

• Counts to 20 or higher
• Recognizes written numbers 0-10
• Counts objects accurately (one-to-one correspondence)
• Understands concepts of more, less, and same
• Recognizes basic shapes (circle, square, triangle, rectangle)
• Can sort objects by color, size, or shape
• Understands simple patterns (AB, ABC)
• Compares sizes (big/small, tall/short)

Fine Motor Skills

Fine motor skills involve the small muscles in the hands and fingers. These skills are essential for writing, cutting, and manipulating classroom materials.

• Holds pencil/crayon with proper grip
• Cuts with scissors along a line
• Colors within the lines (mostly)
• Draws recognizable shapes and figures
• Can trace letters and shapes
• Strings beads or buttons
• Buttons and zips clothing

Gross Motor Skills

Gross motor skills involve large muscle groups and are important for physical education, recess, and overall health.

• Runs, jumps, and hops with coordination
• Balances on one foot for 5+ seconds
• Catches a bounced ball
• Climbs playground equipment safely
• Walks up and down stairs alternating feet

Social-Emotional Skills

Social-emotional readiness is often the most important factor in kindergarten success. Children need to be able to work with others and manage their emotions in a classroom setting.

• Separates from parents/caregivers without distress
• Plays cooperatively with other children
• Takes turns and shares
• Follows classroom rules and routines
• Expresses emotions appropriately
• Works independently for 10-15 minutes
• Asks for help when needed

Self-Care & Independence

Independence in self-care allows children to focus on learning rather than struggling with basic needs during the school day.

• Uses the bathroom independently
• Washes and dries hands
• Puts on and takes off coat
• Opens lunch containers and packages
• Knows full name, age, and birthday
• Follows basic safety rules

How to Use This Checklist

Review each section with your child over several days or weeks—not all at once. Check off skills they've mastered and note areas that need more practice. Use unchecked items as opportunities to plan activities, not as causes for concern. Share the checklist with your child's preschool teacher or pediatrician if you have questions about development.

Click the download button below to get a printable version you can fill out and reference throughout your kindergarten preparation journey.