According to Portland Public Schools, among the top skills that kindergarten teachers look for when determining a child's readiness are their ability to listen, follow instructions, play well with others including taking turns as well as a desire for independence and an enthusiasm for learning. By the time a child starts kindergarten he should be able to dress himself pay attention for at least at 10-to-20-minute span, say please and thank you as well as being respectful of adults.
According to teacher Ellen Parlapiano, kindergarten-ready children are able to recognize most letters and numbers by sight, even if they are unable to write them yet. Rather than using flashcards and books to teach, parents should use playtime and outings as opportunities for learning, such as counting cans while unpacking groceries or spelling out simple words while at the mall.
According to Joanne Nurss of the U.S. Department of Education, children need strong fine motor skills to be kindergarten-ready since writing, cutting, pasting and coloring will be part of their daily educational routine. Baby Center suggests that parents nurture these skills by encouraging their child to do tasks that will help her develop these small muscles such as opening mail, tying shoelaces, drawing and stirring mixtures in the kitchen.
Jaclyn Morris Howie, author of the Kindergarten Readiness Parent Guide E-book, includes the following abilities as necessary for kindergarten: reciting rhymes and songs; speaking in complete and coherent sentences; following directions; and sharing information in a logical manner. She recommends that parents always speak in complete sentences, give their children multiple-step directions, ask their child questions that require more than a yes or no answer, correct their grammar as well as regularly read and sing nursery rhymes to them in order to help them gain these requisite skills.
To prepare their child for kindergarten, parents should take him on tour of the school to get him used to his new surroundings. For safety reasons, by the time they start kindergarten kids should also be able to recite their full name, parents' names, address and phone number. Parents should also ensure that their kids know what to do if approached by a stranger and about other protective behaviors, such as dealing with inappropriate touching.