Teachers rated students' overall well-being as the most important factor in kindergarten readiness, in a survey conducted by the U.S. Department of Education. To be ready for kindergarten, students must be properly nourished, provided the opportunity for adequate sleep, and have general good health. The majority of teachers surveyed believe that good physical health is "essential" for kindergarten readiness.
Students entering kindergarten should know how to sort and group objects based on factors such as size, shape and color. To practice these skills, ask students to sort objects. For example, give students different colored balls and ask them to sort and group the balls based on color. The ability to match similar objects or pictures is also a skill needed for kindergarten. Play matching games with simple shapes to build this skill. By kindergarten, students should know how to put objects in order based on size. For example, a student given jars of different sizes should be able to put those jars in order from smallest to largest.
Good communication skills are vital for students entering kindergarten. Students must know how to communicate their needs to others using complete sentences and basic vocabulary. Students must also know how to follow simple directions and listen to others.
Students entering kindergarten should recognize their name when they see it printed. Students should also recognize individual letters in their name. Number recognition is also important. Students should recognize the numbers 1 through 5 and be able to count to 10 before kindergarten. Students should also recognize basic shapes including the circle, square and triangle, and should know primary colors like blue and red.
Students entering kindergarten should be able to dress themselves and should know how to use the toilet and wash their hands without help. In addition, students must feel comfortable being away from parents or other caregivers. The ability to get along with others is also an important skill for kindergarten students.