When you work with your child in any of these areas, remember to
make it fun! ‘Drilling’ their ABC’s can be boring or intimidating.
Children learn best when they are having fun. Point out shapes,
colors, numbers and words during daily activities. Ask:
Getting Ready for School
Many parents worry about what and
how much their child should know
before they arrive at school. There are
no hard and fast rules for what teachers
expect. It can differ from school to
school. Some common skills
kindergarten teachers look for a child to do:

Name and identify the four basic
shapes.(squares, circles, triangles, rectangles)

Name and identify basic colors. (red, blue, yellow, green,
orange, purple, white, black, brown)

Identify some letters in the alphabet and match
some letter-sounds. Does he know the difference between
numbers and letters? Can he find the letter A in random letters?

Count from one to ten and match one-to-one. Are
there enough cookies for everyone to have one?

Recognize her printed name. Can she print her first name?

Put on coat, use bathroom, and wash hands with
minimal help. With less adults per child, being as independent
as possible, helps a child feel successful.

Get along with others. Does she use words like please,
thank you and excuse me? Can she solve problems using words
instead of hitting, or take a break to calm down?
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



“Is your plate round or square?”
“How many carrots do we have for snack?”
Point out objects that start with the same sound (bowl, ball, bat)
Play “I Spy” something red… square… or starts with “ba” sound
Help your child make a sign with his name printed on it for the
door of his room or make a special T-shirt or sweatshirt together
with her name on it.
 Show your child how to put on a coat by laying it on the floor
upside down, putting his hands in the sleeves and over his head.
 Talk about sharing, taking turns, and handling anger.
Be and Stay Informed
It is important for you, as a parent, to also get ready for school.
Contact your local elementary school and become familiar with the
school policies, practices and expectations. Find out if they have a
parent-teacher organization and get involved. Begin to build a
relationship with the teacher. Studies show that informed and
involved parents have a major impact on a child’s school success.
For additional ideas explore http://www.illinoisearlylearning.org
Author/Editor: Patti Faughn, Family Life Educator, Springfield Center, Fall 2006
For more information contact:
Angela Reinhart, Family Life Educator
University of Illinois Extension
Champaign County Unit
801 N. Country Fair Drive, Suite D
Champaign, IL 61821
217/333-7672
University of Illinois  US Dept of Agriculture
Local Extension Councils Cooperating
University of Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment.