Is My Child Ready for First Grade?

Please take some time to determine if your child is really ready to begin first grade:

• Does your child know the 26 letter sounds (consonants and short vowels)? Letter names are not as important.
• Is your child generally able to print alphabet letters correctly? Is he generally able to place letters accurately on kindergarten-sized lined paper?
• Can your child easily read short words such as hat, pig, and men without your help and without any accompanying pictures? (Was he taught how to blend sounds, not just memorize words?)
• Is your child developmentally able to sit long enough to copy 4-6 short words on kindergarten-sized lined paper without complaining or becoming tearful?
• Is your child mature enough to sit cooperatively for 20-30 minutes at a time for structured school activities?
• Will your child be six by September 1?  A mature five-year-old about whom you can answer yes to all of the above questions may be ready to begin first grade.
• If you can answer yes to all of the above questions, your child is most likely ready for first grade.

The skills taught in kindergarten – especially reading short vowel words fluently for many months – give a child the foundation needed for success in first grade.