Quick Links

Preparing for Kindergarten

Children should be physically, socially and emotionally prepared for school. The District’s Kinder FUNdamentals presents academic expectations to parents and provides activities and materials for parents of incoming kindergarteners to support students at home before starting Kindergarten. Be sure to ask about Kinder FUNdamentals when registering at your school site to learn more about Modesto City Schools and kindergarten expectations.

Here are some areas to focus on with your child before they begin Kindergarten:

  • Physical Aspects – Children should be able to use fine and gross motor skills, including using scissors, writing, and coloring while holding the pencil or crayon correctly. Common gross motor skills include running, jumping, climbing and bouncing a ball. 

  • Personal Needs – Children should be able to use the bathroom and wash their hands on their own. They should be able to put on their clothes, shoes and jackets by themselves. 

  • Social and Emotional Needs – Children should be able to share, follow simple instructions, take turns and follow routines. They should be able to listen to a story in a group setting.

  • Vocabulary – Children should be able to retell a simple story and recount significant events. Parents should ask the child questions about the story. Engaging in daily conversations can help build vocabulary.

  • Letter Knowledge – Children should be able to recognize the letters in their name.

  • Rhyming – Children should be able to identify rhyming words.

  • Print Awareness – Children should know how to handle books and how to follow words on a page.

Modesto City Schools offers many preschool-age and childcare services. For more information, visit Early Childhood Education or call (209) 574-1625.