• Says his/her first name

• Identifies colors

• Follows simple directions

• Identifies some letters of the alphabet

• Answers simple questions

• Writes his/her own first name

• Recites some nursery rhymes

• Discusses a favorite story

• Retells a familiar event or story

• Pretends to "read" a book

• Participates in word play (kuplink, kuplank, kuplunk)

• Attempts writing by using scribbling, print-like symbols, or strings of letters

• Identifies some shapes
• Matches objects like socks, shoes
• Notices similarities, differences
• Sorts and classifies objects
• Tries to count to 10
• Touches or points at objects when counting
• Arranges objects from shortest to tallest
• Uses math language like bigger, smaller, tallest, shortest
  

• Makes choices, takes turns

• Tries new things, finishes new tasks

• Uses self-help skills (dressing, toileting, eating)

• Hops, jumps, gallops, runs, leaps, climbs, balances

• Shares with others

• Throws and catches a ball

• Helps with chores at home

• Buttons and zips

• Begins to demonstrate independence and show self-confidence

• Alternates feet when walking up steps

• Expresses thoughts, feelings

We look forward to working with you and your child at Centre Ridge. We want this kindergarten year to be a most successful one!

As a family with a child getting ready to go to school you may be asking yourself, "Is my child ready for kindergarten?" There is some help available to answer this question from Fairfax County Public Schools.
Kindergarten: A New Beginning
is an 18 minute video (in VHS and DVD format) available for loan from all branches of Fairfax County Public Libraries. This video will help families understand what children will be experiencing during the kindergarten year and how Fairfax County Public Schools provides an educational program that meets the needs of all children entering kindergarten.