{"id":5983,"date":"2024-02-16T08:43:41","date_gmt":"2024-02-16T16:43:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/?p=5983"},"modified":"2025-06-05T11:23:25","modified_gmt":"2025-06-05T19:23:25","slug":"what-skills-should-your-preschooler-have-before-they-start-school","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/advice\/what-skills-should-your-preschooler-have-before-they-start-school\/5983","title":{"rendered":"What Skills Should Your Preschooler Have Before They Start School?\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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What Skills Should Your Preschooler Have Before They Start School? <\/h1>\n\n\n\n

Check your child\u2019s school readiness with this helpful list of skills.<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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By ABCmouse Staff<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reviewed by Dr. Stanley Diih<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Table of Contents<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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Preschool Readiness Checklist<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Social-Emotional Skills Should My Preschooler Have?<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Reading Skills Should My Preschooler Have?<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Math Skills Should My Preschooler Have?<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Determining if a child is ready to attend preschool involves assessing various aspects of their development, particularly focusing on their age, social-emotional skills, physical and cognitive skills, and so much more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

While many factors should be considered, it’s also important to look at your potential preschooler’s reading readiness and foundational math skills. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The ABCmouse Preschool Curriculum<\/a> provides a structured, play-based curriculum designed to help children develop these critical skills in an engaging and interactive way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Preschool Readiness Checklist<\/strong>: Skills Your Preschooler Should Have<\/strong> Before Starting School<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Below, you’ll find a general checklist for preschool readiness. As you read it, remember that each child develops at their own pace, and it’s normal for children to not meet all of these criteria immediately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Social Skills
<\/strong>\u2713 Can your child play well with others?
\u2713 Does your child share and take turns?
\u2713 Can your child communicate their needs effectively?
\u2713 Can your child follow basic rules?<\/td>		Emotional Skills
<\/strong>\u2713 Can your child separate from their parents without becoming overly upset?
\u2713 Can your child manage their emotions appropriately for their age?
\u2713 Is your child able to focus on a task for a period of time?<\/td>		Physical Skills
<\/strong>\u2713 Can your child manage bathroom needs independently?
\u2713 Can your child eat a snack or meal independently?
\u2713 Can your child put on and take off their shoes and jacket?<\/td><\/tr>
Cognitive Skills
<\/strong>\u2713 Does your child recognize some or all letters of the alphabet?
\u2713 Can your child recognize their written name?
\u2713 Can your child count to at least 10?
\u2713 Does your child recognize basic shapes and colors?<\/td>		Fine Motor Skills
<\/strong>\u2713 Can your child hold and use scissors?
\u2713 Can your child hold a crayon or pencil correctly?
\u2713 Can your child complete a simple puzzle?<\/td>		Language Skills
<\/strong>\u2713 Can your child express themselves using complete sentences?
\u2713 Can your child follow simple two-step instructions?
\u2713 Can your child understand simple stories read to them?<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

This checklist can serve as a guide, but keep in mind that some kids may excel in some areas while needing more help in others. The goal of preschool is to help children grow and learn, so don’t worry if your child hasn’t mastered all these skills before they start.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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One of our curriculum experts answers your questions about preschool and kindergarten readiness!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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A post shared by ABCmouse (@abcmouse)<\/a><\/p><\/div><\/blockquote>\n