Skip To Main Content

Is My Child Ready for Kindergarten?

Children are always learning and all children are ready to begin their formal schooling by age 5. There are no requirements or expectations about whether a child is ready, or not ready, to begin kindergarten. In Minnesota, kindergarten eligibility is based on age. It is not based on what your child knows and is able to do.

If you have any questions or concerns about your child or kindergarten, please contact your child’s elementary school: Blue Heron 763.792.6202, Centennial 763.792.5302, Centerville 763.792.5804, Golden Lake 763.792.5902, Rice Lake 763.792.5702.

Relationships and Social Interactions:

  • Participates in group activities
  • Interacts with adults and peers
  • Awareness of personal space of others
  • Follows routines
  • Plays or works cooperatively with peers
  • Takes turns and shares with others

Independent Skills:

  • Takes care of bathroom needs independently
  • Is practicing keeping belongings organized
  • Is practicing tying shoes and zipping/buttoning clothing
  • Asks for help when needed

Listening and Speaking:

  • Uses words to communicate needs and wants
  • Listens to stories for 5-10 minutes
  • Follows directions that involve two or more steps
  • Recalls stories and events

Motor Skills:

  • Holds scissors and is able to cut lines and shapes
  • Can use glue, paint, colors, and draws
  • Grips a pencil and uses it to draw and write
  • Can run, jump, hop, and march 

Reading / Writing / Math:

  • Recognizes many letters of the alphabet
  • Listens to and recognizes different sounds in rhymes and familiar words
  • Has experience with writing tools (pencils, crayons, etc.)
  • Identifies and practices writing first name
  • Copies some letters and numbers
  • Counts to 10 or higher
  • Understanding of how to sort, match, and compare objects
  • Identifies colors and shapes
  • Shows interest in books, rhymes, and other literacy activities

How to develop and encourage these skills:

  • Read 10-15 minutes every day with your child and talk about what you read
  • Sing and share rhymes and songs
  • Provide experiences with purposeful writing such as grocery lists and notes to relatives
  • Provide opportunities for your student to count and explore numbers
  • Provide opportunities for your student to play with other children his/her own age
  • Talk with your child about daily activities
  • Practice independence with self-care skills in everyday routines