As your preschooler gets closer to starting school, the question 'Are they ready?' is on every parent's mind. It's important to remember that 'school readiness' isn't about knowing the entire alphabet or being a math whiz. It's about the development of the whole child—their social skills, their emotional maturity, their ability to communicate, and their physical coordination. This checklist is a gentle guide to help you see where your child is thriving and where they might enjoy some extra practice and support.
Use this as a tool for observation and encouragement, not as a test. The goal is to feel confident about this exciting new chapter, not to create pressure.
Your School Readiness Checklist
This checklist is divided into four key areas of development. See how many of these milestones your child is meeting as they prepare for school.
Social & Emotional Skills
- Separates from parents without getting overly upset: Is comfortable being left with a trusted caregiver or teacher for a period of time.
- Shows interest in other children: Enjoys being around peers and may engage in parallel play (playing alongside them) or simple interactive play.
- Can express feelings with words: Is able to use simple words like 'happy,' 'sad,' or 'mad' to describe their emotions.
- Follows simple rules and takes turns in games: Understands the basic concept of waiting for their turn and can follow 2-3 step directions.
Language & Communication
- Speaks in complete sentences of 5-6 words: Can form sentences to express ideas and needs.
- Can tell a simple story and sing familiar songs: Shows an understanding of narrative and can remember lyrics to songs like 'Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star.'
- Follows 2-3 step instructions: Can process and act on a sequence of directions, like 'Please get your shoes and bring them to the door.'
- Says their first and last name: Can state their full name when asked.
Cognitive Skills
- Can count at least ten objects: Demonstrates one-to-one correspondence by pointing to and counting objects.
- Recognizes some letters of the alphabet: May be able to identify the letters in their own name.
- Can sort objects by shape and color: Shows an understanding of basic categories.
- Engages in pretend play: Uses imagination to create stories and scenarios with toys or objects.
Physical & Motor Skills
- Can run, jump, and climb: Shows confidence in their gross motor skills.
- Uses scissors to cut paper: Is developing fine motor coordination.
- Holds a pencil or crayon with a proper grip: Uses a tripod or quadrupod grip rather than a fisted grip.
- Is mostly independent with using the toilet and washing hands: Can manage their own basic hygiene needs.
How to Support Your Child's Readiness at Home
The best way to prepare your child for school is through play! Integrate these simple, fun activities into your daily life:
- Read Together Daily: This is the single most important activity for building language and early literacy skills.
- Play Games: Board games and card games are fantastic for practicing turn-taking, following rules, and counting.
- Get Creative: Provide plenty of access to crayons, paper, scissors, and Play-Doh to build fine motor skills.
- Encourage Pretend Play: Dress-up, toy kitchens, and building blocks are powerful tools for developing cognitive and social skills.
- Arrange Playdates: Give your child opportunities to practice interacting with their peers in a low-pressure environment.
Important Medical Notes
This checklist represents general developmental milestones. Every child develops on their own unique timeline. This is not a diagnostic tool. If you have persistent concerns about your child's development in any area, please discuss them with your pediatrician. They can provide a developmental screening and connect you with resources if needed.