Prepare for Kindergarten

What it looks like to be prepared for Kindergarten

Independent Restroom Skills
Students should be able to use the restroom independently, including managing clothing and washing hands. While teachers are always nearby for safety, students should feel confident handling these routines without adult assistance.

No Nap Time in Kindergarten
Because our school day is full of learning, exploring, and moving, there is no nap time in Kindergarten. To help your child transition smoothly, begin gradually reducing or removing daily naps before the first day of school.

How Families Can Support Kindergarten Success

• Read Together Every Day:  One of the most powerful ways to prepare your child for school is simply reading with them. Shared reading builds vocabulary, listening skills, imagination, and early comprehension.
• Talk with Your Child:  Engage in conversations throughout the day—ask questions, let them tell stories, and encourage them to express ideas. Talking builds strong language skills that support reading and learning across all subjects.
• Build Fine Motor Strength for Writing:  Strong fingers make confident writers! Activities like using spray bottles, pinching clothespins, building with blocks, playing with playdough, drawing, coloring, and cutting with scissors. Want a fun twist? In winter, fill a spray bottle with water and a drop of food coloring and let your child “paint” the snow (if we ever get any)!

More Skills That Help Students Thrive
We’ve gathered additional helpful readiness skills from our 5J Preschool Team - Pre-K End of Year Skills. These include early academic foundations, social-emotional readiness, independence, and other abilities that help students feel comfortable and confident in the classroom.