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Tools for School

Getting Your Child Ready for Kindergarten

By Kendeyl Johansen

Parents often describe blinking back tears on their child's first day of school. Make sure you're fighting tears of nostalgia, instead of worry, by preparing your child in advance for kindergarten.

Marie Geiger of Pittsburgh has enrolled 5-year-old Chris in a pre-kindergarten program and is using this whole year to ready him for school. "We talk about school often," says Marie. "My son is the type that does not generally adjust well to change, so we begin preparing him for things way in advance so he can get used to the idea."

In Alabama, Beth Skarupa also used preschool to prepare her daughter, who is now 6, for kindergarten. "We read books a lot together and did reading lessons in a book I bought," says Beth. "I got a handout showing what skills she needed and I made sure she was able to do them."

Expectations for pre-kindergarten skills vary across the country. In Geiger's case, her school provided a list of more than 70 skills that pre-kindergarteners should know before entering school. "Most skills [Chris] is able to do, but some he doesn't do well or at all," says Geiger. She's helping him master difficult tasks, like tying his shoes and memorizing his phone number, without making a big deal of it.

Dr. Laurie Ford, a child psychologist from the University of South Carolina who specializes in preschool development, agrees with Geiger's teaching philosophy. "Don't make everything a golden teaching moment," says Ford. "Rather, try to incorporate these behaviors into your daily routine. Formal attempts at preparing preschoolers for kindergarten can backfire, making children feel pushed and stressed."

What can you do if your child resists even your subtle efforts? Sharon Wilkins, prize-winning teacher and author of Ready For Kindergarten

Want to see more?

• Not sure if your child is ready for kindergarten? Print out our Kindergarten Worksheets to help get your child ready for school.
• Not sure if your child is ready for kindergarten? Our Kindergarten Readiness Checklist will help you target the areas your child may need help in.
• Read Is Your Child Ready For Kindergarten? to learn more about what your child should know before starting school.
• How are you preparing your child for kindergarten? Tell us at the Preparing for Kindergarten Discussion Board.
• Read a review of Ready for Kindergarten here