Communication and Listening Skills Follows 2 and 3 part directions Changes behavior when instructed Asks for help when needed Recalls directions Follows group instructions Relates ideas and experiences Asks questions Answers questions Maintains eye contact with the speaker Exhibits self-control, waits for his/her turn to speak Pays attention to the teacher in a large group setting Keeps hands to himself/herself
	Task–Related Behaviors Quickly obeys teacher’s instructions Transfers skills learned for one task to another task Follows task directions in a large or small group Puts away his/her own materials and cleans up work space Approaches activities in an organized manner (stays in line) Finishes a task before starting a new one Doesn’t become easily discouraged in a task Completes work in an appropriate amount of time Makes choices Stays in own seat Sits appropriately Does not disturb others during activities
	Self Help Behaviors Communicates his/her own needs and wants Tries strategies to solve problems Interacts and defends self without aggression Recognizes when a problem exists Is able to put on his/her own jacket Eats neatly and cleans up his/her own space Cares for personal toilet needs Blows nose independently Can tie his/her own shoes by the end of Kindergarten Knows address and phone number by the end of Kindergarten
	Academic Foundation Practices counting to 20 Recognizes and names numerals 0-12 Is able to count objects 1-5 Recognizes own name Is beginning to recognize and name some upper and lower case letters Knows that letters are used to make words Is beginning to name opposites Is beginning to name colors Is beginning to name and draw shapes
	Practical Experience
	Practices cutting paper
	Practices gluing
	Practices recognizing patterns
	Has a beginning understanding of values and manners
	Has a beginning understanding of community awareness
	Has a beginning understanding of community helpers

     Please note that your child does not have to have all of these skills mastered before he can enter kindergarten, but mastery of a few of these skills and some progress on others will be helpful.


There are many things you can do to help your child be ready for kindergarten…

	Give directions with multiple steps. Example-”Please go to your room, pick up your dirty clothes, bring them to the laundry room, and put them in the hamper.” Ask your child to repeat the directions.
	Encourage your child to ask questions about the world around them. Encourage them to answer questions. You can do this by playing question and answer games like “I Spy” or “20 Questions”.
	Teach your child self-control by not allowing him/her to interrupt you while you are on the phone. Set the timer for a short phone call and tell him/her he/she is not to interrupt you except in an emergency. (You may need to explain what an emergency is!)
	Give your child simple chores like setting the table, picking up toys, or feeding a family pet.
	Practice dressing a favorite doll or teddy bear.
	Continue to remind your child to wash hands after using the restroom.
	Play follow the leader.
	Try to have a “sit down” meal together at least once each week.
	Ask your child to help clear the table after dinner.
	Allow your child to make some choices. Example- “Do you want peas or beans for dinner?”
	When a small problem arises for your child, ask him/her what they think they should do about the problem. Try not to solve all of their problems for them.
	One of the best things you can do for your child is to read to him/her. Point out shapes, colors, and people. Count objects in the pictures.

Remember--You know your child better than any one. Trust your instincts about their Kindergarten readiness!

You can schedule your child’s kindergarten readiness screening by contacting the school office at 814-371-7395.