Kindergarten Readiness Checklist

Why these items are on the list

1. Separates from parents without excessive distress. Brief upset is normal; Savvy Learning says they should settle within 10 to 15 minutes.
2. Takes turns and shares. Grasping the idea is enough; doing it perfectly every time isn't expected.
3. Names feelings with words. Says happy, sad, angry or frustrated rather than only acting out physically.
4. Follows classroom rules and routines. Sitting during story time or lining up when asked.
5. Recovers from mistakes. Needing an adult's help to calm down first is fine; prolonged meltdowns are the flag.
6. Speaks in complete sentences. Savvy Learning suggests five to six words, understandable to adults and peers most of the time.
7. Follows two-step directions. For example, put your coat away, then sit on the carpet, without repeats.
8. Retells a daily experience. A beginning and an end is enough; it needn't be elaborate or perfectly sequenced.
9. Holds a back-and-forth conversation. Savvy Learning suggests three or more exchanges, responding and adding information rather than only answering.
10. Recognizes own name in print. Writing it perfectly isn't required yet.
11. Knows at least 7-10 uppercase letters. Savvy Learning says many districts now expect 14, but 7 to 10 is developmentally reasonable.
12. Knows a few letter sounds. Savvy Learning calls three to five sounds a reasonable start, especially those in their name.
13. Recognizes rhyming words. Cat and hat. Sound awareness like this is a key pre-reading skill.
14. Pretends to read books. Describing the pictures or retelling a familiar story counts.
15. Counts objects up to 10. Touch each object once; the last number said tells how many.
16. Names basic shapes. Circle, square, triangle and rectangle; they may also recognize star and heart.
17. Sorts objects by size or color. Grouping same and different items shows early classification and logical thinking.
18. Uses the bathroom independently. Includes washing hands. Savvy Learning calls it often the most important practical skill.
19. Manages coat, backpack and shoes. Tying shoes isn't required, but Velcro or slip-ons should be mastered.
20. Holds a pencil with fingers. Thumb and fingers rather than a fist grip; a perfect tripod grip isn't needed.
21. Cuts paper with scissors. Snips or cutting along a line; cutting exactly on it isn't expected yet.
22. Opens lunch containers alone. Snack bags, containers and utensils without constant adult help.
23. Asks for help. The Wichita Public Schools checklist includes being able to ask for help, among its other skills.

Tick each point as you see it in everyday routines and keep the unticked ones as a short practice list. Share it with a partner or caregiver so you both mark what you have actually seen.