Preschool and Elementary Readiness Checklist
A preschool student (before the age of 5) should be working toward being able to:
Recognize and name most uppercase and lowercase letters.
Count to 20 and recognize numbers 0–10.
Write their first name independently.
Identify basic shapes and colors.
Follow 2–3 step directions.
Speak in complete sentences and communicate needs clearly.
Use scissors, crayons, pencils, and glue appropriately.
Demonstrate independence with basic self-help skills (bathroom use, handwashing, putting on a coat, etc.).
Take turns, share, and play cooperatively with others.
Listen to and retell simple stories or events.
Kindergarten (Before Entering 1st Grade)
A kindergarten student should be able to:
Read simple sight words and beginning-reader books.
Write complete simple sentences with correct spacing.
Count to 100 by ones and tens.
Add and subtract within 10.
Identify beginning, middle, and ending sounds in words.
Retell a story with key details.
Follow classroom rules and routines independently.
Work cooperatively with classmates.
Use basic classroom materials appropriately.
Demonstrate self-control and responsibility for belongings.
1st Grade (Before Entering 2nd Grade)
A first-grade student should be able to:
Read grade-level text with fluency and understanding.
Write a paragraph with a topic sentence and supporting details.
Add and subtract within 20 fluently.
Solve simple word problems.
Tell time to the hour and half-hour.
Use capitalization and punctuation correctly in sentences.
Identify main idea and key details in a text.
Work independently on assigned tasks.
Demonstrate kindness and respect toward others.
Take responsibility for completing and turning in work.
2nd Grade (Before Entering 3rd Grade)
A second-grade student should be able to:
Read chapter books and informational texts independently.
Write organized paragraphs with details and examples.
Add and subtract within 1,000
Know basic addition and subtraction facts from memory.
Know basic multiplication facts by memory.
Tell time to the nearest five minutes.
Understand place value through hundreds.
Use context clues to determine word meanings.
Compare and contrast information from texts.
Participate appropriately in group discussions.
Show perseverance when tasks become challenging.
3rd Grade (Before Entering 4th Grade)
A third-grade student should be able to:
Read fluently and comprehend grade-level fiction and nonfiction.
Write a solid paragraph with a clear structure.
Know multiplication and division facts through 12.
Solve multi-step word problems.
Understand fractions as numbers.
Identify the main idea and supporting details in a passage.
Conduct simple research using multiple sources.
Use appropriate grammar and punctuation in writing.
Manage materials and assignments responsibly.
Demonstrate good citizenship and teamwork.
4th Grade (Before Entering 5th Grade)
A fourth-grade student should be able to:
Read and analyze a variety of texts independently.
Write opinion, informative, and narrative essays (3 paragraphs)
Add, subtract, multiply, and divide multi-digit numbers accurately.
Compare and simplify fractions.
Explain mathematical thinking using words and models.
Summarize information from texts.
Use evidence from reading to support answers.
Conduct research and organize findings.
Use technology responsibly for learning.
Demonstrate organization, responsibility, and self-management.
5th Grade (Before Entering 6th Grade)
A fifth-grade student should be able to:
Read and comprehend complex grade-level texts.
Write well-organized multi-paragraph essays with supporting evidence.
Add, subtract, multiply, and divide decimals and fractions.
Solve real-world multi-step mathematical problems.
Analyze characters, themes, and informational texts.
Conduct research and cite sources appropriately.
Speak and present ideas clearly to an audience.
Manage long-term assignments and deadlines.
Demonstrate critical-thinking and problem-solving skills.
Exhibit responsibility, integrity, and readiness for middle school independence.
Middle School Readiness Skills by Grade Level
6th Grade (Before Entering 7th Grade)
A sixth-grade student should be able to:
Read and analyze grade-level literature and informational texts independently.
Write organized essays with a clear thesis, supporting evidence, and conclusion.
Compute fluently with fractions, decimals, and percentages.
Solve multi-step problems involving ratios and rates.
Cite textual evidence to support written and verbal responses.
Interpret graphs, charts, and data displays.
Use effective study habits and organizational systems.
Participate respectfully in discussions and collaborative work.
Demonstrate responsibility for assignments, materials, and deadlines.
Advocate appropriately for academic needs and seek help when necessary.
7th Grade (Before Entering 8th Grade)
A seventh-grade student should be able to:
Analyze themes, arguments, and author's purpose in a variety of texts.
Write argumentative, informative, and narrative essays using evidence.
Solve problems involving proportions, percentages, and rational numbers.
Apply algebraic reasoning to solve equations and inequalities.
Evaluate information from multiple sources for accuracy and relevance.
Conduct research and present findings clearly.
Use technology effectively and responsibly for learning.
Manage long-term projects with minimal supervision.
Demonstrate resilience when faced with academic challenges.
Show maturity, respect, and responsibility in school and social set
