Preparing for Kindergarten Success: Nurturing Cognitive and Physical Skills in Young Learners

Apr 22

I get asked by lots of parents — "Is my child ready for kindergarten?” And I completely understand the concern. Starting kindergarten marks a big moment for your little one, and as a parent, you're right there, experiencing this exciting part of their early childhood learning.

Let's dive into the nitty—gritty. Check in with your preschooler and yourself and ask:

“Does my child know how to do these things most of the time?”

“Can they learn these new skills before kindergarten kicks off?”

Cognitive Skills For Kindergarteners: Academic Skills-Can your child recognize the letters of the alphabet?

👉I’m not just talking about singing the song. I mean, can they say the ABCs and do they recognize the letters? They do not need to be able to recognize every letter, but should know most!

💡Use sticky notes with letters A—Z. Say the ABCs, grabbing each sticky note as you say the letter name.

🔗 Here’s a video showing a fun, easy way to play with letters at home.

🔗And if you want a little more explanation for this, jump onto my podcast episode here at the 2:40 mark. I’ll go into more detail about this sticky note activity in under two minutes.

Is your child able to recognize words that rhyme?

💡Practice with familiar rhyming books. Think Little Blue Truck!

“Horn went beep, engine purred, the friendliest sound you ever heard.”

Next time read it and pause, ““Horn went beep, engine purred, the friendliest sound you ever ____.”

Does your child recognize familiar words or logos?

👉 Think stop signs, Target, McDonalds.

Does your child understand if something is more or less?

💡 Practice in the kitchen! You can ask “Do you have more chips or less chips than me?” or “Who has less carrots, you or me?”

💡Practice this while playing! Ask things like “Who has more blocks, your sister or brother?” or “Are there more stuffed animals or toy cars in the basket?”

Is your child able to arrange objects in order?

👉 Think things like smallest to largest or tallest to shortest.
💡Ask questions during play time like “Can you order your trucks from smallest to largest?” or “Can you point to the smallest doll?”

Can your child count to 10, name shapes, identify colors, hold a book and turn the pages correctly, and recognize their name?

Physical Skills For Kindergarteners

Fine Motor Skills

Can your child grip a pencil or crayon, use scissors, write some letters, write their name, trace and draw shapes, do a puzzle? (Here’s a helpful video about pencil grip!)

Gross Motor Skills

Is your child able to sit and listen?

👉This doesn't mean sitting still for big chunks of time. It's about being able to do things like join a conversation or listen to a story and control their body for a few minutes at a time.

Can your little one run, hop on one foot, climb stairs, bounce and catch a ball, jump with their feet together and apart?

You Know Your Kindergartener—to—be Best

So, here's the scoop – if kindergarten is on the horizon for your child, let this be an exciting time!

There’s so much you can do at home to help your child prepare for this important step. And most of that is probably stuff you’re already doing anyway!

Take a moment to connect with your little one.

If they’re already in a school setting or daycare, check—in with their preschool teacher or any child care providers. What skills do they notice that your child does really well? In what areas do they need some practice?
Gauge their social, cognitive, and physical skills as the big kindergarten moment approaches.
Support them with hands—on, simple activities at home.

It’s important to keep in mind, you don't need to tackle everything at once. It's more like adding pieces to a puzzle—gradual, purposeful, and each one contributing to the bigger picture. So, take it step by step and a little at a time.

And remember, there’s no one—size—fits—all here — you're the expert on your child and you’re their best advocate. Set them up for success for their first day of kindergarten and beyond by being present and aware of their amazing capabilities and school readiness will follow.

Kindergarten skills unfold in their own time and at different rates. Your child’s growth will happen.

For more tips and insights to nurture lifelong learners, hop over to my Instagram page.

And, don't forget to explore episodes on the podcast, Play On Words, where you’ll hear more about making learning fun and accessible for all.

Featured

I’m the founder of BCR, host of the Play on Words podcast, a consultant for the Chicago Public Library, and more! On the blog, I regularly share my tips, insights, and knowledge on early literacy.