Homeschool Kindergarten Readiness

Moving from preschool to kindergarten can be as gentle as moving from one room to another. Often, for homeschoolers it’s just a matter of introducing a child to the “next” step in academics and litttle changes in the way of routines or lifestyle for the child. There are times when it’s helpful to know what benchmarks you’re shooting for, though. 

These are not hard and fast rules, but more like suggestions or guidelines for Kindergarten readiness.

1. Fine Motor Development

– We work on strengthening hand muscles to prepare for writing and cutting.

Activities that strengthen hand muscles include:

• Kneading play dough and bread dough
• Stringing beads
• Pushing sand
• Lacing (cards, shoes, etc.)
• Using tongs to pick up small items
• Exercising pencil grip by playing with Legos, small cars, doll clothes, etc.

2. Reading Readiness

– Children who display signs of reading readiness are most successful in kindergarten. One of the best ways to cultivate reading readiness is by enjoying quality children’s literature with your child.

Some signs of reading readiness are:

• Recognizes rhyming words (e.g. What rhymes with cat? “fat” or “cow”?)
• Tells the meaning of simple words
• Uses left-to-right progression
• Recognizes some letters by name and sound
• Distinguishes beginning sounds in words
• Demonstrates the ability to listen to a story
• Answers questions about a story
• Writes some letters and numbers
• Counts objects using one-to-one correspondence
• Recognizes numbers 1-10

3. Social and Emotional Development

- steps help children interact in a group setting.

• Knows full name
• Verbally interacts with others
• Exhibits self-control and a cooperative nature
• Recognizes authority
• Listens to and follows basic instructions
• Gets along and plays with other children
• Can work independently

Children move through stages at different ages and there is no “one size fits all” education. Be gentle with yourself and your child and follow at their pace. For an anxious or driven parent who only wants the best for their child, this can be a nerve-wracking pace. However, learning to trust your child’s innate ability to learn and your own judgement over the expectations of the world will ultimately develop you and your budding homeschool scholar in fantastic shape!

For more resources take a look at our page dedicated to everything for Homeschool Kindergarteners.