Early Childhood & Kindergarten Prep

Starting school is a big deal—for kids and parents. But don’t worry! A little prep now can make the transition smoother (and maybe even tantrum-free). Please note that the skills list is a guide, and it is not necessary for your child to be able to do every skill on this list as all children develop at their own pace.

Approaches to Learning

• Uses creativity, imagination and flexibility during play and routine tasks
• Focus for 10 minutes on child-preferred activity
• Focus for 10 minutes on adult-directed activity
• Remember and talk about past experiences (i.e. trips to the store, park, parties)
• Follows two step directions and remembers simple routines
• Persists and problem solves age appropriate tasks (i.e. putting together a puzzle)
• Develop a love for learning through experiences with new things, trying new foods, visiting a new place, meeting a new person, etc.

Language & Literacy Development

• Engage in conversation about books you are reading together (answering questions, discussing favorite parts, predicting what will happen next, talk about new words, etc.)
• Taking two or more turns in a conversation
• Being understood by most people when speaking and communicating needs
• Play with sounds in words (rhyming, beginning sounds) For example: singing songs, nursery rhymes, finger plays, etc.
• Identify letters and sounds, ideally 18 upper case and 15 lower case letters and some of the sounds they make, beginning with the letters in own name
• Recognizing his or her own written name
• Looking at a book front to back and turns the pages one at a time
• Writing his or her first name
• Writes or draws to share ideas, thoughts and messages

Mathematical Development

• Point to and use one number name for each object up to 10
• Identify written numbers 1-10
• Identify basic shapes (square, circle, triangle, rectangle)
• Recognize or extend repeating patterns (green, white, green, white)
• Sorting objects by something they have in common (color, size, shape etc.)

Physical Development

• Experience running, jumping, climbing, balancing, throwing, etc. (large motor or whole body movements)
• Begin to use drawing and writing tools with a 3 point finger (tripod) grip to write or draw
• Experience with drawing, cutting, tearing paper, playdough. stacking, pouring, buttoning, zipping, etc. to build finger and hand strength and control (fine motor)
• Self help skills - independent use of the bathroom, getting dressed, opening food containers

Social & Emotional Development

• Willingness to interact and form relationships with people outside of their families
• Willingness to join in play with peers
• Learning and participating in a group
• Separating from primary caregiver for an extended period of time
• Communicating or taking care of one’s own needs (i.e. wiping after toileting, washing hands, dressing self, etc.)
• Awareness and identification of feelings and emotions in self and others like happy, sad, mad, embarrassed, frustrated, etc.
• Develop strategies to manage big feelings (i.e. breathing, talk to trusted adult, take a break)
• Being aware of their own and others’ personal space

General Questions

How is Kindergarten Different from Preschool?

The program will be more formal and structured, with teacher-led activities. There will be more group projects and less free time. Classrooms will be bigger, with more children in class. They will work on writing letters and numbers. Classwork will work towards meeting state of Michigan goals for kindergarten.

What Should a Good Kindergarten Program Have?

Teaching and materials are age appropriate and are held in a quality environment. There is a mix of active and quiet time. There is also a mix of group time and independent work time. Parents and their children feel welcome. Teachers respect your family’s differences and culture. Students take part in deciding what they do during learning time. 

What Will My Child Learn in Kindergarten?

Your child will start to learn reading and simple math skills. The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) has guides for each school on what should be taught in each subject or area. These subjects include science, technology, social studies, nutrition and health, physical education, the arts, and, for some, world languages. For more information on these subjects and the MDE guidelines, visit the Michigan Academic Standards page.

What Will My Child Do in Kindergarten?

Your child will have active and quiet activities, in large and small groups. There will be time for your child to work alone on projects. There will be a snack time. Also, there may be extra classes such as gym, music, art, library, computers, etc. Ask your teacher for a sample daily routine. 

Why Does Learning Involve Play in Kindergarten?

Research shows children this age learn best through play. Most kindergartners are not ready to sit and listen for a long time. Using play to learn helps keep children engaged. It helps physical skills by moving their muscles, social skills by boosting imagination, emotional skills through compassion and teamwork, and mental skills with problem solving.

Will My Child Benefit from an Extra Year of Kindergarten?

Kindergarten is a one-school-year program before first grade. There is a developmental kindergarten program to give children who are not ready an extra year of schooling. However, research has shown that for most children attending two years of kindergarten has no long-term benefits and, in fact, may negatively impact your child in the long run. 

Preparing for Kindergarten Questions

What Can I Do to Help My Child Prepare for Kindergarten?

Family support is the most important factor to make your child feel safe and ready for school. Do things like: keep a daily routine and make sure they have plenty of play time. Read to, play with and listen to your child. Also, make sure their vaccinations and health checkups are current. 

What Can I Do at Home to Prepare My Child?

Spending time with your child doing simple, fun activities helps get them ready for school. Some of these activities include: 

• Reading to your child every day                                             
• Coloring and drawing with your child                      
• Talking and listening to your child                             
• Being respectful with your child and others 
• Using a lot of different words in conversation
• Playing with your child 
• Cooking with your child

How Can I Help My Child Ease First Day Jitters?

Your child is influenced by the things you say and do. Show that you are happy and excited about starting kindergarten. Find and read a book about starting school. Start them off with a good breakfast before they go. Let your child take part in making decisions about things like what to wear and school supplies. Give a loving, but firm goodbye and let your child know when you will see them again. 

Options, Eligibility and Requirements

Is Full or Half-Day Kindergarten Available for My Child?

Although districts can choose to have morning or afternoon half-day sessions, full-day sessions, or alternate full-day sessions, most school districts in Michigan offer full-day Kindergarten. This allows children more learning time.

How Do I Know if My Child is Ready for Kindergarten?

Most children are ready by age five, so it is likely that your child will be, too. The important part of making sure they are ready is for families and teachers to work together to make sure each child feels confident and ready to learn. 

Is My Child Eligible to Attend Kindergarten?

If your child meets the age requirement (five years old by September 1), they may enroll in Kindergarten. There is no entry test for kindergarten. 

Is There an Early Option for Kindergarten Enrollment?

If your child is turning five after September 1 but before December 1, you can request early enrollment instead of waiting a year. Talk to your child’s school district about the early kindergarten entry options. The final decision is always up to you. 

Is My Child Required to Attend Kindergarten?

Enrollment in kindergarten is not required in Michigan, but is strongly recommended. Enrollment in public or nonpublic school is required, however, for children who reach age six by September 1 of that school year. 

How Do I Enroll My Child in Kindergarten?

Most public schools start sign-up in early spring for the next fall. The most common things you’ll need to register include: 

• Your child’s birth certificate 
• Immunization record 
• Vision & hearing test results 
• Proof of residency and a health form

Every child grows at their own pace, but here are some common skills they may develop along the way. No need to stress—progress looks different for everyone!

Pro Tip: If you have concerns about your child’s development, talk to their pediatrician. Every child learns at their own pace and support is always available.

By Age 3

• Speaks in short sentences ("More snacks, please!" counts!)
• Follows simple two-step instructions ("Pick up your toy and put it in the bin"—on a good day!)
• Loves pretend play (Expect tea parties, superhero missions and invisible pets.)
• Jumps with both feet (Because stomping in puddles is an elite childhood experience.)

By Age 4

• Recognizes some letters and numbers (Might read "STOP" on a sign and feel like a genius.)
• Starts drawing recognizable shapes (That circle might still be a potato, but we’re getting there!)
• Follows multi-step instructions ("Put on shoes, grab a coat and—wait, where’d they go?")
• Plays cooperatively with peers (Sharing is still a work in progress, but we’re trying!)

By Age 5

• Knows full name and age (and may introduce themselves like a VIP).
• Can write some letters or their name. (It might be wobbly, but it’s theirs!)
• Counts to ten and beyond. (Because numbers are fun when they mean more cookies!)
• Expresses emotions in words. ("I’m frustrated!" instead of dramatic floor flopping—hopefully.)
  

Building strong reading skills starts long before the first day of school. Here’s how to make literacy fun (and sneak in some learning along the way).

Read Together Daily

Let your child turn the pages, guess what happens next and “read” in their own way. Even if they make up half the story, they’re on the right track!

Encourage Letter Recognition

Point out letters everywhere—on signs, cereal boxes, even their favorite snack wrappers. Bonus points if they spot their name!

Make It Fun

Rhyming games, silly songs and storytelling keep kids engaged. If you feel ridiculous, you’re probably doing it right.

Practice Writing

Give them crayons, markers or sidewalk chalk and let them explore letters. Scribbles today, masterpieces tomorrow!

Library Visits

Storytime, free books and a chance to explore new stories? The library is basically a literacy goldmine—plus, it’s free!

Pro Tip: Keep it light and playful. Kids learn best when they’re having fun—so no pressure, just lots of encouragement!