The following checklist, although not exhaustive, can help guide you as you prepare your child for school. It's best to look at the items on the list as a goal towards which to aim. They should be accomplished, as much as possible, through everyday routines or by enjoyment or by enjoyable activities you've planned with your child. If your child lags behind in some areas, don't worry. Remember that children grow and develop at different rates.
Eats a balanced diet
Gets plenty of rest
Receives regular medical and dental care
Has had all the necessary immunizations
Runs, jumps, plays outdoors and does other actives that help develop his large muscles and provide exercise
Works puzzles, scribbles, colors, paints and does other activities that help develop small muscles
Is learning to explore and try new things
Is learning to work well alone and to do many tasks for themselves
Has many opportunities to be with other children and is learning to cooperate with them
Is curious and is motivated to learn
Is learning to finish tasks
Is learning to use self-control
Can follow simple instructions
Helps with family chores
Has many opportunities to talk and listen
Is read to every day
Has access to books and other reading materials
Is learning about print and books
Has their television viewing monitored by an adult
Is encouraged to ask questions
Is encouraged to solve problems
Has opportunities to notice similarities and differences
Is encouraged to sort and classify things
Is learning to count and plays counting games
Is learning to identify and name shapes and colors
Has opportunities to draw
Listen to, make music and dancing
Has opportunities to get first-hand experiences to do things in the world-to see and touch objects, hear new sounds, smell and taste foods and watch things move
A NOTE ON THE IMPORTANCE OF PLAY
Play in early childhood is the best foundation for success in school. Children learn many skills through play. As they explore, investigate, and experiment through developmentally appropriate play they are "learning to learn" which will benefit them the rest of their lives.