Is your child ready for Kindergarten

 Academic Readiness

As in all areas, there are many academic differences among students who begin
kindergarten with Durham Public Schools. There are no academic requirements
students must pass to begin kindergarten.

Many parents express concern about the testing or assessment that begins a
kindergartner's school experience. These tests are used to determine a baseline or
starting point for student learning and to inform teacher's instruction for each child.

Students are typically assessed on their letter knowledge, concepts about print, reading
level, basic math skills (such as counting, shapes, colors), and language skills. These
assessments help teachers to identify where children are academically and create the
best learning environment for each child. Many parents often enjoy meeting with their
child's teacher at the end of the year to look at where their children started and how far
they have come! 

The Five Areas of School Readiness:

 Language and Literacy

 Cognition and General Knowledge
 Approaches toward Learning
 Physical Well Being and Motor Development
 Social and Emotional Development

Literacy

 A balanced approach including thinking, listening, reading, writing and

word study
 Independent, modeled, guided and shared instructional approaches
 Informal and formal assessments

Math

 Development of number sense and reasoning using a conceptual

approach
 Understanding of operations and problem solving
 Hands on learning encouraged through student exploration
 Informal and formal assessments
Social Emotional Support

 Availability of  Counselors, Psychologists, Social Workers

 Positive Behavior Intervention Support (PBIS)
 Restorative Practices
 Mental health support
 Safety and health as a priority
 District focus on equity 

 
WHAT CAN I DO NOW TO PREPARE MY
CHILD? 
  
     Visit our IGNITE website for more activities!

       Routines and Transitions

 Transitioning from one activity to another

 Transitioning from one location to another

       Meal Skills

 Opening food items (sandwich bags, juice boxes etc.)

 Drinking without a straw
 Carrying a tray
 Making food choices

        Social Skills

 Interaction with adults

 Interaction with peers
 Using coping skills
 Solving disagreements
 Separating from parents

       Expressing Needs and Wants

 Asking for help

 Making choices; preferred activities, food choices etc.
    
        Self Help Skills

 Waiting
 Taking turns
 Personal care: Hand washing, toileting and nose blowing
 Managing clothing
 Managing personal items such as toys