Preparing for kindergarten can be an exciting time for parents and their preschoolers, but it can also be a bit intimidating. You want to make sure that your child is prepared for their first day of kindergarten, but don’t want to put so much pressure on them that they’re scared to walk through the door. 

The good news is, kindergarten teachers don’t expect your child to know everything on the first day. After all, teaching is what they are there for! However, if you are looking for ways to instill confidence in your little scholar, here are 20 skills you can help them explore during their time in preschool.

1 Recognize and Name Some Letters 
This foundational skill kickstarts the journey to reading and writing, and can inspire confidence in your little learner.

2 Hold Writing Tools Properly 
Correct grip is important for developing writing skills and keeping little hands from getting tired.

3 Write Their Name (Mixed Upper and Lowercase Letters)
Learning that names start with an uppercase letter and writing the lowercase letters in their own name is a great start for future writing skills. Writing their own name on their preschool backpack can also make little ones feel very proud! 

4 Match Sounds to Letters 
Understanding phonics is useful in early reading development. You can demonstrate this skill by using your finger to trace words as you read to your child. 

5 Identify a Few Common Words by Sight 
Recognizing common words such as “yes” and “and” speeds up reading and builds confidence.

6 Name Colors and Body Parts
Knowing some body parts and being able to name colors will help your child communicate about their own needs and preferences in their new environment.

7 Create and Identify Rhymes 
Reading rhyming books together can help your little one set the stage for future phonetic skills. 

8 Communicate Their Name and Birthday  
Being able to say their own name and have it understood by others helps build confidence and communication skills. 

9 Recognize Days of the Week and Names of Months 
Understanding how days and months go by builds an awareness of how time passes and helps children know what to expect.

10 Sort Objects by Attributes 
Being able to group things by size, shape, and number lays the early groundwork for mathematical and logical thinking. 

11 Count to Double Digits 
Basic counting is important and will set your child up for success with early math skills.

12 Practice Listening and Turn-Taking 
These skills can help your little one navigate classroom participation and improve their social interactions.

13 Follow Directions with Multiple Steps
This ability helps children complete more complex tasks independently, such as helping you pack their toddler lunch box for snack time or putting on winter gear for recess. 

14 Cooperate With Peers 
Teamwork skills improve social development and prepare children for group learning.

15 Use Basic Art Supplies
Handling various art materials like glue and scissors improves fine motor skills and creativity.

16 Manage Personal Hygiene 
Bathroom independence reduces anxiety about being in a new place and promotes confidence in small children. Make sure your child knows how to wipe, flush, and wash their hands on their own.

17 Put On and Remove Clothing 
This skill boosts confidence and saves time during the school day, especially when the weather requires lots of layers for recess.

18 Tidy Up After Activities 
Setting the expectation at home that we have to clean up our own messes helps the transition to keeping desks and play areas clean at school. 

19 Adapt to Parent Separation 
Practicing being away from parents for the whole school day can be important for new kindergarteners who haven’t spent much time in all-day preschool or daycare before.

20 Treat Books Appropriately 
Understanding how to handle books by being gentle and learning to turn pages without ripping them will be an asset to your child AND their teachers. 

Taking the time during the preschool years to master some of these skills can set the stage for a successful kindergarten experience. These ideas can help you get started with school readiness, but don’t sweat it too much if your child hasn’t mastered all of them by their first day of “big kid school.” Keep it relaxed, focus on building confidence, and try to have some fun along the way.