Best Way to Determine School Readiness for a Child

Most children are psychologically and physically ready for school when the first day of kinder­garten finally arrives. But some are not, and they may find school a daunting experience because they will be unable to meet some of the demands placed upon them. You can help your child reach a state of readiness for school by ensuring that, by the time your child is of school age, he is competent in the following key areas of development:

• Social (independence). Your child should be able to
• go to the toilet on his own, and tidy himself afterwards;

• wash his hands and face;
• take his coat off and hang it on a hook;
• share and take turns;
• listen to an adult and follow basic instructions;
• tidy up toys and books when requested to do so;
• play happily with a small group of children his own age;
• deal with difficulties without having a tantrum;
• manage eating, without help;
• separate from you without becoming unduly upset.

• Educational. Your child should be able to
• listen attentively to a short story;
• identify colors and give their names;
• correctly name one or two basic shapes;
• know his name, address, and phone number;
• talk clearly in sentences;
• recite a few favorite nursery rhymes;
• concentrate on an activity for at least five minutes.

• Physical. Your child should be able to
• put on his shoes and jacket;
• catch a large ball thrown gently to him;
• walk steadily along a straight line;
• run quickly without falling over;
• jump off the ground, with both feet in the air at the same time;
• take off his shoes and then put them on again.

Having these skills doesn’t mean your child will manage everything in school without difficulty, but it will help him set-tie in more easily. If your child isn’t able to do all these things, it doesn’t mean that school will be too demanding for him, but do practice them with him at home, in order to boost your child’s competence and self-confidence.