Kindergarten readiness is something that every parent worries about. This may be especially true if you have a child with a summer birthday. Many questions such, "Is my child ready for academics?", "Will my child be able to demonstrate self-control?", and "Is my child socially matures enough yet?" abound in the decision to start kindergarten or delay a year.
Traditional Markers of Kindergarten Readiness
There is a vast amount of information written on kindergarten readiness. There are several similar themes in readiness markers that run through the majority of developmental information. These include (but are not limited to):
- Self-regulation tasks: Walk in a line with other children. Sit attentively without being overly distracted. Control impulses. Listen to, and follow directions.
- Fine motor skills: Use scissors correctly. Hold and manipulate a pencil. Write letters (this includes the child’s first name).
- Self-care: Use the bathroom facilities by one’s self. Dress one’s self (e.g., snap and zipper pants, zipper a coat in winter). Some schools also will expect that a child of kindergarten age can tie his or her shoes.
- General knowledge/ Academic knowledge: Correctly identify major body parts (nose, arm, knee, etc.). Know and repeat home address and telephone number. Count to at least ten. Know the letters of the alphabet.
- Language: Demonstrate proficiency in receptive and expressive language.
Measuring School Readiness
The parent is not alone in measuring a child’s readiness to enter kindergarten. Most schools will utilize a formalized assessment tool. This will look at multiple developmental areas, but there is no one standard assessment.
This measurement will not necessarily be used to tell you if your child is or is not ready to begin school. Instead it will help the school to place your child in a specific class (schools will vary on the policies for student ability placement), identify any delays and/or special needs, and give the kindergarten teacher a very brief picture of your child as a student.
Problems and Issues in Estimating the Traditional Readiness Markers
- Cultural diversity: The assessment (or even the school itself) may not be sensitive to diverse cultures. This may cause the school to misinterpret answers and behaviors.
- Temperament of the child: Although most education professionals fully understand that children have different temperaments, a shy child who will not speak up may be viewed as unknowledgeable.
- Previous school experiences: A child who has attended a quality preschool program may be more proficient at responding to knowledge based questions and school rule based tasks (i.e., raising a hand, walking in a line).
School Specific Considerations
- Is the kindergarten program half day or full day?
- What is the actual cut off date for your state or school district? Some geographic areas have a September date, while others may have a later date.
- What is the typical starting age for your school? Will your child be in a class with other children who are much older than him if you start early; or will they be much younger if you start later?
- How does your child feel about starting school?
- Has your child already been in school? What does your child’s preschool or daycare teacher have to say?
Making the Decision
Take all of the variables present into account when deciding whether to send your child to kindergarten or delay a year. Speak frankly with the school teachers and administrators. Avoid making your child into something he or she is not in terms of development and knowledge.
Finding More Information on School Readiness
There are multiple organizations that provide wonderful information on kindergarten/school readiness. Examples include the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and The School Readiness Indicators Initiative. Additionally, the U.S. Department of Education has a variety of materials available free online.
The decision to send a child to kindergarten can be overwhelming to many parents. Assessments, either formal or informal, are only part of the picture. You know your child better than the school does. Talk with other parents, read a variety of books and articles on the subject, and start an open family dialogue. Although this will not guarantee that you will make the right decision, being informed will greatly help in the process.
