Ready-for-School Checklist
This checklist, although not exhaustive, can help to guide you in preparing your
child for school. It's best to look at the items included as goals toward which
to aim. They should be done, as much as possible, through everyday life or by
fun activities you've planned with your child. If your child lags behind in some
areas, don't worry. Remember that all children are unique. They grow and develop
at different rates—and no one thing guarantees that a child is ready for
school.
Good Health and Physical Well-Being
My child:
- Eats a balanced diet.
- Receives regular medical and dental care and has had all the
necessary immunizations.
- Gets plenty of rest.
- Runs, jumps, plays outdoors, and does other activities that help
develop large muscles and provide exercise.
- Works puzzles, scribbles, colors, paints, and does other
activities that help develop small muscles.
Social and Emotional Preparation
My child:
- Is learning to be confident enough to explore and try new
things.
- Is learning to work well alone and to do many tasks for himself.
- Has many opportunities to be with other children and is learning to cooperate
with them.
- Is curious and is motivated to learn.
- Is learning to finish tasks (for example, picks up own toys).
- Is learning to use self-control.
- Can follow simple instructions.
- Helps with family chores.
Language and General Knowledge
My child:
- Has many opportunities to play.
- Is read to every day.
- Has access to books and other reading materials.
- Has his television viewing monitored by an adult.
- Is encouraged to ask questions.
- Is encouraged to solve problems.
- Has opportunities to notice similarities and differences.
- Is encouraged to sort and classify things (for example, by looking for red
cars on the highway).
- Is learning to write his name and address.
- Is learning to count and plays counting games.
- Is learning to identify shapes and colors.
- Has opportunities to draw, listen to and make music, and to dance.
- Has opportunities to get firsthand experiences to do things in the world—to
see and touch objects, hear new sounds, smell and taste foods, and watch things
move.
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