What is school readiness? Schools use different ways to measure readiness.

In general, these include:

Age
In most schools, a child must be: a 5 years old to enter kindergarten a 6 years old to enter first grade.
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Its when young children have the skills they need to succeed in school.

Starting school is an important step in life.

Your child should be ready: a physically

a socially

a mentally a emotionally.

Observations and tests

These may be used to estimate a childs maturity and skills.

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Many things influence school readiness. Background information

This may come from parents, preschool teachers and others.

These include:

a your childs development

a your childs experiences with playmates, child-care providers and others.

In general, most children entering kindergarten

or the first grade should be able to: a say their full names a use a restroom without help a follow spoken directions and obey rules use words to express feelings a take turns and get along with others a use crayons and scissors a name basic colors.

School readiness makes a difference.

It helps give your child: a the best possible start

a the best chance for success in school and in life.

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Children will get the most out of school if theyre ready to learn.

Contact your school to learn how it measures readiness. Do this at least a year before you expect your child to start school.
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Discover your childs learning style. Help your child get ready for school.
As your childs first teacher, you can help him or her:
Develop language skills
For example: Read to your child. Usq full sentences. Have your child tell you stories. Let your child see you reading and writing.

This can help you build on his or her natural strengths.

Lookers

learn best by watching. Lookers may also:

. be fairly quiet

enjoy drawing and crafts

like to play alone.

Listeners Explore math

For example: Use numbers in conversation. Give your child simple chores, like pairing socks. Show how you use math to measure ingredients or count money.

learn best by hearing instructions and descriptions. Listeners may also:

talk a lot

remember songs and stories easily

like group play.

Movers Enjoy play

Play can help develop: eye-hand coordination (by stacking blocks, doing puzzles, etc.) balance, and control of arms and legs (by running, jumping, hopping, etc.).

learn best when using their hands or when they can move about while learning. Movers may also:

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find it hard to sit still

enjoy wheeled toys, climbing and jumping

like active group play.

Most children use all 3 learning styles. They may favor one and use the others in certain situations.

Good health makes it easier to learn and play. Provide nutritious meals. And take your child for regular checkups and needed immunizations (shots).

Help your child grow emotionally and socially. Get ready for the first day of school.
Show your pride and excitement.
Contact the school
to find Out what the first day will be like. Talk about it with your child.

Praise your child often.

Be specific

and be sincere.

Allow mistakes. Walk or drive by the school

often. Point it out to your child. Visit the school together and meet your childs teacher.

A child who is afraid to make a mistake may avoid trying new things.

Encourage curiosity.

For example, when your child is painting, ask, What will happen if you mix yellow with blue?

Talk about the fun things Give your child some chores.
For example, have your child pick up toys or put away books. Simple chores help children feel valued. your child will do in school. such as making arts and cralts, singing and playing.

Make a routine
for the school year. Set a bedtime and limit TV watching. Plan time each day to talk about what happened in school.

Arrange for play with other children.

Your child will learn about:
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sharing taking turns

Let your child help

respecting differences solving conflicts peacefully. If possible, have your child play with children who will be in the same school.

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choose what to wear on the first day. Clothes should be sturdy and comfortable not too fancy.

Start now to help your child be ready for school!

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