Kindergarten Social Readiness Skills

This is a list of social skills your child should be working on in the year before going to kindergarten. Social development is a major component of kindergarten. The ease with which your child can work and play with others fosters independence and self-confidence. Although your child does not need to have mastered these skills before kindergarten, it is very important that he/she has had plenty of practice with these experiences. The more secure your child is, the greater his/her chance of success!

Your child should be able to…

Ø        Take turns when playing games with other children
Ø        Take part in group activities
Ø        Join in new activities and new situations
Ø        Adjust to new situations easily
Ø        Show an interest in learning new things
Ø        Adjust easily to changes in routine or environment
Ø        Share an adult’s attention with others without making demands
Ø        Control his/her anger and frustration
Ø        Express feelings appropriately
Ø        Show concern for the rights and feelings of others
Ø        Handle winning and losing gracefully
Ø        Follow simple rules such as being quiet when asked to
Ø        Accept personal responsibility for his/her actions
Ø        Take care of materials and property
Ø        Respond to and speak appropriately to adults
Ø        Ask for help appropriately
Ø        Listen attentively
Ø        Separate easily from parents without crying
Ø        Take responsibility at home for toys, bedroom, and small jobs
Ø        Attend to personal needs such as toileting and blowing his/her nose
Ø        Distinguish between fantasy and reality