"I CAN"
Kindergarten Readiness Checklist

Kindergarten teachers have complied a list of important "I Can" skills/ school readiness skills that can indicate a child's readiness for kindergarten. Although not requirements, the transition to kindergarten will be easier for the child if they are familiar with these concepts. (Click here for a PDF of these lists.)

"I CAN" - Social, Emotional and Self Help Behaviors

• follow simple rules   

• pay attention for short periods of time to adult directed tasks 

• separate from my caregivers without being upset

• put on my coat and zip it up

• tie my shoes

• take turns

• share with others

• sit quietly and listen without interrupting

• follow simple directions

• use the bathroom by myself (including zipping/buttoning pants)

• put on my backpack

• hold a pencil or crayon

• cut with scissors

• put things away

• hang my backpack on a hook

• wash my hand with soap

• use a tissue to wipe my nose

• cough into my elbow

• stand in line

• drink from a drinking fountain

• open any food containers in my lunch
  

• raise my hand and wait to be called on

  
  

"I CAN" - Academic Skills

• recognize, name and trace basic shapes

• count and recognize numbers 1-10, even when out of order

• count 10 objects pointing to each one as I count

• say or sing the alphabet

• recognize the letters of the alphabet, both upper and lowercase

• identify colors in an 8-ct crayon pack

• sort items by size, color or shape

• speak understandably and in complete sentences

• recognize and write my first name

• tell if two words rhyme

• identify some letter sounds

• recognize some sight words like "go"

• hold a book and turn the pages

• look at pictures and then tell stories