Kindergarten is a year of big transformations. One day, your child is just learning their ABCs, and before you know it, theyβre sounding out words and reading full sentences like βThe dog can run.β That moment when the lightbulb goes off and they read something on their own? Pure magic. But hereβs the thing: answering the question βWhat should a Kindergartener know?β isnβt just about academics. Your child is still only 5, 6, or maybe 7 years old. This is a huge year for developing social-emotional skills, building independence, and learning how to work with others. All of these are just as important as knowing how to add and subtract.
In this post, Iβll walk you through what a kindergartener should know by the end of the yearβincluding academic, social, and life skills. And at the end, you can grab a free printable checklist to celebrate your childβs progress and all the growth theyβve made!
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Reading and Phonics Skills Your Kindergartener Should Know Before First Grade
By the end of kindergarten, your child will likely:
- Recognize and name all uppercase and lowercase letters
- Know all letter sounds and use them to start reading simple words
- Blend CVC words like “cat,” “dog,” and “sun”
- Read simple sentences like “The dog can run” with growing fluency
- Answer comprehension questions after a read-aloud, such as identifying characters or the setting
- Retell a story in order using words like first, next, then, and last
- Know 30+ sight words (words they recognize instantly)
- Understand print directionality and book parts, like the front/back cover, author, and illustrator
- Some kids may even pick up digraphs, blends, or short and long vowel sounds
Every child grows at their own pace, so itβs okay if some of these are still developing!
Learn more about Kindergarten Phonics skills progression here.
Writing Skills to Help Your Kindergartener Become a Confident First Grade Writer
Most kindergarteners will be able to:
- Write their first and last name with correct uppercase and lowercase letters
- Draw and write to express their ideas
- Write 1β2 simple sentences with a capital letter and punctuation
- Use a proper pencil grip and form letters correctly
- Match their drawings to their writing to show understanding
Some may even try:
- How-to writing (“How to Make a Sandwich”)
- Opinion writing (“I like cats because they are soft”)
And even if they arenβt writing all the words yet, being able to say their sentence out loud is a big step.
Learn more about Kindergarten Writing Skills Progression here.
Essential Kindergarten Math Skills to Build a Strong Foundation for First Grade
Here's what your Kindergartener should know when it comes to math skills:
- Counting to 100 by 1s and 10s
- Writing numbers from 0 to 20
- Understanding one-to-one correspondence when counting objects
- Comparing numbers (more, less, equal)
- Adding and subtracting within 10 using fingers or objects
- Identifying and naming 2D and 3D shapes
- Sorting and classifying by color, shape, or size
Some kids may also begin:
- Skip counting by 5s and 2s
- Using a 100s chart to look for patterns in numbers
Social-Emotional Skills Kindergarteners Need for First Grade Success
This year is so important for learning how to be part of a community. Youβll see your child:
- Follow 2β3 step directions
- Take turns and share during games or centers
- Work well with others in small group activities
- Use words to express feelings and needs
- Practice kindness and empathy
- Show self-control when they feel big emotions
- Keep trying when things are hard (We call this having a “can-do” mindset!)
- Listen respectfully during circle time and conversations
These life skills are just as important as anything theyβll learn from a worksheet.
Fine Motor Skills and Daily Tasks to Help Your Child Feel Independent
Youβll notice huge improvement in things like:
- Cutting along lines and shapes with scissors
- Gluing carefully (instead of globs everywhere!)
- Holding crayons and pencils the right way
- Coloring inside the lines
- Zipping coats, buttoning pants, and opening containers (especially helpful for lunch and snack time!)
These skills make a big difference when it comes to school routines and confidence.
Learn more about Fine Motor Skills here.
Independence and Classroom Habits Every Kindergartener Should Practice
By now, your kindergartener may be able to:
- Unpack and repack their backpack each day
- Ask for help when they need it
- Focus for 10β15 minutes on a single task
- Clean up after themselves
- Follow routines with fewer reminders
- Move smoothly from one activity to the next
- Complete simple tasks independently (like an art project or worksheet)
These habits set the stage for a successful start in first grade and beyond!
Final Encouragement for Parents of Rising First Graders
I hope this helped clarify what a Kindergarten should know by the end of year. However, I want you to remember this: Every child learns and grows at their own pace. Some kids will pick up reading right away, while others shine when building with blocks or helping a friend. And thatβs okay.
The best way to support your child? Make learning part of everyday life. Read together, count snacks, sing songs, ask questions. Keep it light, fun, and pressure-free. Remember to celebrate progress over perfection. Did they try something hard today? Did they show kindness to a classmate? Those wins matter just as much as acing a sight word list.
Youβve made it through an incredible year of growth. And your kindergartener? Theyβre more ready than you think.
What a Kindergartener Should Know Free End of Year Skills Checklist:
Download your one-page printable to keep track of your childβs end-of-year skillsβperfect for your fridge, folder, or to celebrate how far theyβve come!
A Simple Way to Keep Kindergarten Skills Fresh This Summer
Once the school year wraps up, itβs easy for kids to lose some of the important skills they worked so hard to learn in Kindergarten. This is known as the summer slide, and it can make the start of First Grade feel like a big leap.
Thatβs why I created the Kindergarten Daily Summer Review Workbookβa simple, low-stress way to help your child stay on track with just 20 minutes a day. It covers essential skills in reading, math, writing, and moreβdesigned by a Kindergarten teacher and mom of three who gets it.
Whether youβre traveling, juggling a busy summer schedule, or just want a little structure in your day, this workbook is an easy way to keep learning consistent (without feeling like schoolwork).
Grab the printable version on Teachers Pay Teachers
Or order the printed workbook on Amazon
Your future first grader will thank you!
If you're looking for a pre-assessment for First Grade, here's one that can help identify the academic skills to work on over the summer!
