Talking & Reading
- Recognizes and says simple rhymes
- Says first and last name, and street address
- Names some upper and lower case letters
- Makes up stories or tells about past events
Be Ready by 5: Age 4 - 5
The following information will help you as you interact with your child from age 4 to 5 and have learning experiences that will not only help them be ready for Kindergarten, but that will help develop a special bond between you and your child!
What to Look For
Connecting & Feeling
- Plays well with peers
- Shows increased independence by asking for what they want and need
- Shows concern for others feelings
- Actively seeks new experiences
Counting & Measuring
- Counts to 10 by touching each item
- Creates simple patterns with objects
- Begins to understand sense of time like day, night, yesterday, tomorrow
Playing & Problem Solving
- Follows rules and routines easily
- Routinely tries several ways to solve a problem
- Wants to finish activities
Growing & Developing
- Walks on tiptoes and on flat feet
- Skips
- Catches large ball with both hands
- Stands on one foot without holding onto something
- Draws a person with body parts
- Cuts a straight line with scissors
- Visits their doctor/pediatrician for a well-visit at age 5
Get Them Ready
You can help your child be ready for Kindergarten and beyond by working on skills with them. Here are some helpful and easy ways to engage with your child!
Reading for Life
- Continue reading with your child
- Visit the library and check out many different types of books. Both fiction and nonfiction
- Play word rhyming games, or sing rhyming songs with your child
Count Everything!
- Practice counting to ten and beyond
- Make simple patterns with your child
- Play simple matching games with your child
Movement is Magical!
- Practice skipping, jumping, swinging and bouncing on one foot at a time
- Play catch and bounce and throw balls back and forth
- Practice with your child as they write their name, draw and cut lines and use markers, crayons and pencils to draw
Additional Things to Consider: Age 4 – 5
Lean into your child’s curious personality! Encourage your child to ask questions, play at home and share about their experiences!
Make math a fun activity. Count things out loud, add and take away items and cheer your child on as they learn how to count and build language around math.
Finalize your Kindergarten plan! Visit your district website for any paperwork you need to have ready or turn in before school begins. Make sure your child has any and all appropriate vaccinations. Talk with your child about what to expect leading up to the first day of school and celebrate this amazing milestone!
Check Eligibility
Fill out our eligibility screener to learn about all the resources you qualify for based on your needs.
Ensuring that every child in Montgomery County, Ohio is healthy and ready for success in Kindergarten and beyond.
