Preparing for Kindergarten: What I'll Make Sure My Child Knows Before She Starts

My daughter is nowhere near kindergarten age yet, although time seems to be moving faster every day. My mom watches her often while I'm teaching students after school, and she's already started introducing letters in the sweetest way. She can recognize and say the letter S, and they're working on M, G, D, and N for Mama, Grandpa, Dada, and Nonna.

As a dyslexia and literacy interventionist, people often assume my biggest concern will be making sure she can read before kindergarten. The truth is, that isn't my priority at all.

Research consistently shows that the strongest kindergarten readiness skills are a combination of academic foundations and social-emotional development. If I could create my own kindergarten readiness checklist, it would look something like this:

Academic Skills

Recognize and write her first name

A child doesn't need to write perfectly, but recognizing and attempting to write their own name helps build confidence and a sense of independence.

Develop letter awareness

I want her to know that letters have names and sounds. Mastering the entire alphabet before kindergarten isn't necessary, but being familiar with print is helpful.

Enjoy books

More important than early reading is developing a love of stories. I want books to be something she looks forward to, not something that feels like work.

Count and notice numbers

Counting everyday objects, recognizing a few numbers, and talking about quantities during play can create a strong math foundation.

Follow simple directions

Being able to listen to and complete one- or two-step directions is a skill that supports learning in every subject.

Non-Academic Skills

Separate from caregivers

This may be one of the hardest skills for both children and parents. Learning that trusted adults will always come back builds confidence and security.

Use the bathroom independently

Managing bathroom routines with minimal assistance helps children feel capable and comfortable at school.

Ask for help

Kindergarten is full of new experiences. I want my daughter to know that it's okay to ask a teacher when she needs something.

Share and take turns

These skills don't happen overnight, but learning to cooperate with peers is an important part of school readiness.

Manage big feelings

She doesn't need to have perfect self-control, but I hope she can begin to recognize her emotions and use words to express them.

Be curious

Perhaps the most important goal of all. I want her to ask questions, explore, make mistakes, and see learning as an adventure.

My Biggest Goal

If my daughter walks into kindergarten knowing that she is loved, capable, curious, and willing to try new things, I'll feel that she's ready.

The letters, numbers, and academic skills will continue to grow. But confidence, resilience, kindness, and a love of learning are the foundations that make everything else possible.