What's the most essential thing our preschoolers need to learn before walking into their first day of Kindergarten? Well...how to walk into Kindergarten. That is to say, how to function independently in the group setting of the classroom: how to trust teachers and get along with new friends, how to share toys and clean up after themselves, how to wash their own hands, how to put on their own coats and mittens, and on and on. Considering that these little ones were mere helpless babes a short while ago, it's truly amazing just how self-reliant they've become. As we shake our heads in wonder over all they can do, let's also think about what more we can teach them so they'll feel as self-confident as can be when they first walk through that school door.
My child consistently does how many of the following tasks?
- Pick up toys when asked
- Brush own teeth
- Make bed
- Discard snack wrappers
- Share toys
- Get dressed when asked
My child participates in how many of the following family tasks?
- Help clean up room
- Help set the table
- Help clear the table
- Put away laundry
- Throw away trash
- Care for pet (feed, walk)
My child can complete puzzles, coloring pages, or construction (blocks, legos, etc.) projects independently.
My child cares for personal needs by brushing hair and teeth, using appropriate table manners, dressing him/herself, washing hands.
My child can make and meet requests politely.
My child can remain sitting among other children without distraction during a group activity (e.g., library story time).
With advanced notice, my child will stop when told and change activities, moving cooperatively to another activity (e.g., transitioning from play to lunch, or from television viewing to outside play, etc.).
My child recognizes and responds to his/her own name, orally and in writing.
