1. Take care of their own bathroom needs: They can recognize when they need to use the restroom, ask their teacher to go, and know how to clean themselves properly afterward.
2. Carry their own backpack
3. Open their lunchbox and repack it when they are done
4. Clean up after themselves
5. Spell and write their first name
6. Recite at least one of their parents’ phone numbers
7. Tell you their home address
8. Dress themselves
9. Share with others
10. Introduce themselves to other children
11.Hold a pencil
12. Identify some letters, numbers and common words
13. Sort objects by size, shape, color, and number
14. Speak in full sentences
15. Listen to directions
16. Play kindly with others
17. Work independently for 10 minutes
If you are still conflicted about whether or not to send your child to school this year, consult an expert. Maybe your child excels in academics, but they are socially struggling. A teacher or guidance counselor can explain how social skills can be developed in the classroom as your child builds confidence. Or, perhaps your child is begging to get on the school bus with their siblings, but their motor skills are lagging and they cannot perform some basic tasks by themselves yet. A professional can advise you on whether delaying enrollment will allow them to catch up to other kids so they can be in a better position to succeed next year. Trust your instincts and you will make the best possible decision for your child.