Is Your Child Ready for School?

School Skills

Find out how your child stacks up: Here are some developmental milestones that experts say can help you determine school-readiness.

Motor Skills

• Hops on one foot for 5 feet.
• Cuts with scissors in a relatively straight line.
• Is able to copy a plus sign, a V, and a square.

Language Readiness

• Asks a question and expresses a need.
• Answers questions with more than one word.
• Follows a three-step direction in order: Go to your room. Get your slippers. Turn out the light.

Cognitive Ability

• Grasps simple comparisons: When shown two items, says which is bigger.
• Draws a stick person with five or more body parts.

Social Skills

• Is comfortable in a group.
• Works, shares, and plays with others.
• Follows directions and a routine.

Second Opinions

Still not sure how to decide? Don't hesitate to ask the experts for advice.

1. Find out what your child's preschool teacher thinks about his readiness. Did he make friends? Did he generally follow directions?
2. Meet with the kindergarten teacher and observe the class. Is it formal? Or is it more informal, like a "learning center"? Remember that the students are at least a year older than your child. The question isn't "Could my kid do this now?" but "Can I see her doing this in a year?"
3. Ask your pediatrician. Since she sees many kids your child's age and knows how they develop, she'd have a good sense of whether your child is on track for a successful school experience or whether he needs a bonus year.