How to Prepare Kindergarteners for 1st Grade

Hey everyone! I recently sent out a newsletter to our faculty and my students' parents, and I thought I'd share it here as well. Hope you find it a helpful guide to ensure your students (or your own child) are ready. 😊

Skills to work on for a Smooth transition to 1st Grade

1. Strong Number Sense

• Counting forward & backward (1-20, ideally to 100)
• Recognizing and writing numbers to 20
• Understanding basic addition & subtraction within 10
• Using ten frames and number lines

2. Early Reading Skills

• Recognizing and writing all letters (upper & lowercase)
• Knowing letter sounds and beginning to blend CVC words (cat, dog, sun)
• Recognizing at least 20 sight words
• Understanding basic punctuation (capital letters, periods)

3. Fine Motor & Writing Readiness

• Holding a pencil correctly
• Writing first and last name with correct letter formation
• Cutting with scissors & using glue properly

4. Listening & Following Directions

• Following multi-step directions
• Listening to a short story and answering questions
• Sitting for short periods & staying on task

5. Social & Emotional Skills

• Taking turns and sharing
• Expressing feelings with words
• Asking for help when needed

How Can You Help at Home or in the Classroom?

• Keep learning fun, don’t overdo it or get stuck on one thing for too long!
• Read every day & talk about books
• Encourage your kids to become independent in small tasks (zipping jackets, opening lunchboxes)

Wishing everyone a smooth and exciting transition! 😃