Kindergarten: Is My Child Ready?

One of the biggest questions parents ask is "Is my child ready to start Kindergarten?" or "Should I hold him/her out for another year?" Well, there is no easy answer to these questions. However, here are some things to consider before you make your decision:

My child:

• Can work/play on his or her own and is learning independence in doing such things as dressing or picking up toys
• Follows basic directions in activities such as household chores or learning to play a game
  
• Enjoys being read to and looking at books
  
• Is learning to identify colors, shapes, numbers, and letters
  
• Engages in sufficient active, physical play for exercise with coordination
  
• Performs activities to develop small muscle control and hand-eye coordination, such as drawing, cutting, and assembling puzzles
  
• Is learning self-control and positive ways to express emotions
  
• Cooperates with other children and can share and take turns
  
• Shows curiosity and interest in learning new things and is encouraged to ask questions and figure things out
  

Source: Family Education Network