Many parents spend the summer prepping their kids for school. If you have a kindergarten student right now, you’re probably wondering what should my child know for 1st grade? The good thing is kindergarten really does prep a child for their next step.

What to know for 1st grade? When your child is entering 1st grade you want to make sure they know the alphabet and number scale 0 to 100. It’s also important for your child to be able to work independently on their own and be able to follow rules from the teacher.

Prepping for 1st grade should be fun for kids because it’s a time for them to really start coming into their own. You’re also able to make learning fun when they’re young, so it’s easier to get them engaged and ready to tackle the day ahead.

What Should my Child Know Before 1st Grade?

When it comes to prepping your child for 1st grade, you want to make sure you’ve spoken to your child’s kindergarten teacher to make sure they’ve got a solid foundation. It’s important to make sure you know their individual skills and where they might need some help.

Upon exiting kindergarten you might even get information on exactly what your child should know for their next educational step. By asking the question, “What should my child know before 1st grade?” You’re getting your child set and ready for 1st grade.

20 Things To Know for 1st Grade

1. Your child should be able to recite the alphabet.
2. Your child should be able to count to 100.
3. Your child should know the name of your street.
4. Your child should know their birthday.
5. Your child should be able to count by 10’s.
6. Your child should know at least 25 BASIC sight words.
7. Your child should be able to write their first and last name.
8. Your child should know that names start with a capital letter.
9. Your child should be able to tell you a story.
10. Your child should be able to read “Kindergarten” level books.
11. Your child should be able to write a sentence.
12. Your child should be able to dress themselves.
13. Your child should be able to identify directions easily.
14. Your child should be able to do basic addition and subtraction.
15. Your child should be able to identify simple sounds.
16. Your child should be able to identify household objects.
17. Your child should be able to pack their backpack.
18. Your child should know what a ruler is.
19. Your child should be able to understand their senses.
20. Your child should be able to identify shapes.

When you’re preparing your child for 1st grade, it’s important to keep it fun. Even though there should be set milestones as children enter each grade, it’s also vital to make sure they don’t feel stressed or overwhelmed.

So the next time you’re wondering, What Should my Child Know Before 1st Grade? refer to the items above and see if your child knows these things. I’m not a teacher or certifited, but after having  kids of my own go through first grade, these seem to be benchmarks that are important to make sure they’re hitting.

I know many parents with kids this age start to wonder is my child is ready for 1st grade, and this is normal, too. The best advice I can give you is to make sure you consistently stay in touch with your child’s kindergarten teacher. Make sure he or she is hitting the milestones that they look for to progress onwards.

I hope this helps you as you embark on 1st grade. There are so many ways to prep for 1st grade, these are just 20 things to keep in the back of your mind. Don’t forget, if you’re wondering if your child is ready for 1st grade, never be afraid to reach out to experts to help you.

• Preparing for Kindergarten as a Parent
• Cue the Tears for Kindergarten
• 30 Things for Kids to Know for Kindergarten
• 10 Things About Kindergarten
• First Day of School Signs for Kids

Follow me on Instagram for more about our family.