The Most Important Kindergarten Readiness Skill

It's not knowing the alphabet, its not knowing how to count, it's not knowing how to write her name.  Social emotional skills are key for school success.

Kindergarten teachers agree that "knowing letters and numbers is helpful, for sure, but based on our understanding of early brain development, the skills that are most important for success in school — and in life — are things like communication, problem solving and working well with others. These skills start developing from birth and throughout their first five years, when a child’s brain grows faster than at any other time in life. Kids keep learning and developing in later years, too, but early childhood lays the foundation for their future learning." -First Things First.com

How Can You Help Your Child Develop

Social-Emotional Skills?

You are your child's first and best teacher.  You know and love your child deeply.  You cannot be replaced!  At some point, your child will need to branch out and develop social emotional skills in a bigger setting with more structure, and with other children.  

In preschool children interact with other children.  They learn to share, take turns and work together with their friends.  Around other children, kids see and begin to understand different emotions and they learn how to empathize with friends.   They learn how to make friends and how to join a group successfully.  Learning to solve social problems when playing with others is crucial. 

In preschool children learn to separate from parents and learn how to manage their emotions in a new environment.  In a school setting, children learn to meet their own needs which leads to confidence in their abilities.   At school, there are routines to follow throughout the day.  Children learn to follow directions and exhibit appropriate behaviors like sitting for a short circle time and how to put materials away when it is time to clean up.  There are so many other aspects to social-emotional development.  Below I have linked some helpful websites where you can learn about your child's social-emotional development. I have also included a simple checklist so you can see how your little is developing!

https://thoughtfulparent.com/social-emotional-development

very well mind

Kindergarten Readiness Assessment for Parents

This simple checklist helps parents assess their child's social-emotional readiness for kindergarten. These skills support a smooth transition to school by fostering confidence, cooperation, and emotional regulation.

Social Skills

• Shares and takes turns: Can your child share toys or materials with others and wait for their turn during activities?

• Plays cooperatively: Does your child engage in play with peers, such as building together or participating in group games?

• Follows simple rules: Can your child understand and follow basic instructions or rules during games or daily routines?

• Interacts positively: Does your child approach other children or adults comfortably to talk or join activities?

• Resolves minor conflicts: Can your child use words to express needs or solve small disagreements, like sharing a toy?

Emotional Skills

• Expresses feelings: Can your child name emotions (e.g., happy, sad, angry) and express them appropriately?

• Manages emotions: Does your child calm down after being upset with minimal adult help (e.g., after a disappointment)?

• Shows independence: Can your child handle small tasks alone, like putting on shoes or cleaning up toys?

• Adapts to changes: Does your child adjust to new routines or environments, like going to a new place, with reasonable ease?

• Shows confidence: Is your child willing to try new activities or tasks, even if they’re challenging?

Tips for Parents

• Practice at home: Encourage turn-taking, sharing, and naming emotions during play or daily routines.

• Model behaviors: Show how to handle frustration or conflicts calmly and respectfully.

• Read together: Use books about starting school to discuss feelings and expectations.

• Visit the school: Familiarize your child with the school environment before the first day.

• Talk positively: Highlight the fun of making friends and learning new things in kindergarten.

Every child develops at their own pace. If you have concerns about your child’s readiness, talk to your pediatrician or a preschool teacher for guidance.

Come See How The Peach Tree Can Help You Develop You Child's Social and Emotional Skills!