How to Determine School Readiness for Elementary School

Many parents struggle with school readiness as their child approaches age five. Starting your child in elementary school too early can invite problems and batter your child's self-esteem. Every child is different, but you can use these general guidelines to check your child's readiness for elementary school.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Watch for interaction with peers. Children should interact with other children their age by the time they enter school. In addition, children who can separate from their parents demonstrate appropriate maturity for school. Expect a few tearful days at first, but if your child simply can't detach yet, it may be too early.
2. Listen for your child's communication skills. Children who verbally communicate their wants effectively feel more powerful. Those who don't use verbal skills often act out with poor behavior to communicate feelings. Appropriate communication skills for school readiness also include recognizing the alphabet and understanding the concept that letters stand for sounds.
3. Evaluate your child's problem-solving strengths. Her cognitive development should be high enough for her to understand that if she can't get a square shape through a round hole, she should try a circle shape instead. Basic counting skills are important as well.
4. Check motor development and general health. Children starting elementary school use scissors and crayons. Healthy children with age-appropriate motor skills can participate in the full range of school experiences. Poor health leads to absence and interferes with the learning process, so a year spent resolving health issues might help in the long run.
5. Weigh your child's curiosity level. Children who enjoy learning and possess a healthy curiosity demonstrate the ability to take advantage of learning opportunities.

Tips & Warnings

• It's better to give your child an extra year to prepare for school before he starts than to hold him back a year later on.
• Preschool and Head Start programs help children get ready for school, particularly in the areas of cognitive and social development.