Tips from teachers
Fun ways to boost language and literacy
A tasty snack that teaches math skills & more!
Have you registered for kindergarten?
How to get signed up today!
Ready for Kindergarten A GUIDE FOR SOUTH CAROLINA FAMILIES
Your Guide to a Great Beginning
It’s time for kindergarten! This is a big step for both you and your child. It marks the start of a new chapter – full of discovery, learning and growth. A positive move to kindergarten can help build a strong foundation for success in school and life.
Is your child ready?
If your child is turning 5 by September 1, they can start kindergarten! But being ready for school isn’t just about age — it’s about skills, confidence, and a positive attitude toward learning. Every child develops at their own pace, and readiness looks different for everyone. The good news? A great kindergarten experience will help your child grow in every way.
How can you help?
Preparing for kindergarten is a team effort. As a parent or caregiver, you play an important part. This guide can help. It’s full of ideas, tips, and resources to help your child start school. If you have questions or concerns, remember, support is available. Find more resources on page 14.
School readiness isn’t just about what children know. It’s about the love and support they get from their entire community — families, caregivers, healthcare providers, educators, and neighbors. We all play a part in helping children get ready for school.
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Register early
Make sure to sign up for kindergarten as early as possible. Some schools begin registration as early as January. When you register, you’ll need a few
Get to know your school
Reach out to your school to ask about open houses, school tours, and other events. These can help you and your child feel more comfortable at the school.
Prepare for success.
Kindergarten is a big deal! Bringing your child to school every day will help them learn and succeed. Set up a daily routine so your child gets enough sleep and is ready for school each morning. Your child should only miss school for sickness or emergencies.
Celebrate!
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Starting school is an exciting milestone — celebrate it! Look for community events or create a special family celebration to mark this new beginning.
Your School Readiness Checklist
Note: Document requirements may vary by school district. Check with your school to make sure you have everything you need.
South Carolina’s Ready Kindergartner
Developed by SC First Steps and the SC Department of Education, the Profile of the Ready Kindergartner describes 60 developmental milestones for rising kindergarten students.
APPROACHES TO LEARNING & INQUIRY
• Demonstrates eagerness to learn
• Shows curiosity through questioning Shows creativity and imagination through pretend play
• Engages in daily opportunities for play and exploration
• Shows willingness to try new things
• Persists in tasks that are challenging Maintains attention
• Applies learning to new situations
• Solves problems with materials at hand
Use senses and observations to learn about the world around them
PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT, SELF-HELP & MOTOR SKILLS
• Moves with control and balance while walking, running, jumping and climbing
• Uses fingers to control small objects, such as pencils/crayons, scissors, buttons, zippers
Uses hand-eye coordination to perform simple tasks, like putting together a puzzle
• Independently performs self-help tasks such as toileting, hand washing, tooth brushing and dressing
DID YOU KNOW?
South Carolina has a clear vision of what it means for a child to be ready for school. In 2014, the SC General Assembly adopted an official definition of school readiness, focusing on the whole child. This includes the broad skills listed here, as well as support from family and community.
EMOTIONAL & SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
Shares, takes turns and plays well with others
• Follows simple rules and directions
Expresses emotions through appropriate actions and words
• Adjusts to changes in routine and environment
• Shows self-control
Shows caring and understanding of others’ feelings
• Interacts with familiar adults
Respects the property of others
• Resolves conflicts using words and adult support
• Makes friends
MATHEMATICAL THINKING
Number Sense
• Counts in sequence up to 20
• Counts up to 10 objects, using one number for each object
• Recognizes up to five objects in a group without counting
Compares sets of objects by quantity (more than or less than)
• Describes and compares objects by size (big and small), length (long and short) and weight (light and heavy)
• Understands and uses the terms first, second and third
Matching, Sorting, Classifying
Recognizes and draws basic shapes, such as circle, square and triangle
• Recognizes and repeats simple repeating patterns, such as triangle, square, triangle, square
• Describes positions of objects using the terms above and below
• Sorts and classifies up to 10 objects into categories
LANGUAGE & LITERACY DEVELOPMENT
Listening, Speaking and Understanding
Converses with others, taking turns speaking and listening
• Speaks clearly, expressing ideas and questions
Uses words to seek help, answer questions and solve problems
• Speaks in complete sentences of at least six to eight words
Listens to stories and retells them
• Begins to ask questions about stories that are read aloud
Follows directions and completes tasks that require multiple steps
Asks and answers “how” and “why” questions
Early Reading
Shows interest in books and reading
• Holds books upright, turning pages one at a time from front to back
Knows that printed words have meaning
• Uses pictures in a book to tell and retell the story
• Recognizes and names/reads familiar signs and logos
• Listens to a story being read aloud
• Makes predictions about what will happen next in a story being read aloud
• Begins to follow text from left to right as it is read aloud
Recognizes and names rhyming words
• Recognizes that letters represent spoken sounds
• Recognizes some upper and lower case letters and their sounds
• Recognizes that spoken words can be represented in written language
Recognizes written name as well as other familiar words
• Begins to use pictures and text read aloud to learn the meaning of unfamiliar words
Early Writing
Draws pictures and tells their story
• Writes using a combination of letters, letter-like shapes and scribbles
Uses drawing and writing during play
• Writes name independently or using an example
COUNTDOWN TO KINDERGARTEN
How to Get Your Child Ready
Getting ready for kindergarten isn’t just about ABCs and 123s — it’s about building confidence, curiosity, and a love of learning. Little things we do every day help kids learn what they need to do well in school.On these pages, you’ll find easy, hands-on ways to support your child’s learning and development — all while having fun together!
Brought to you by Countdown to Kindergarten, a program of South Carolina First Steps. Since 2004, Countdown to Kindergarten has helped families, schools, and communities get children ready for school.
Discover more tips and resources:
Hands-On Activities
FOR STRONG HANDS AND CAPABLE FINGERS
Building fine motor skills helps your child develop the hand strength and coordination they’ll need for tasks like writing, buttoning clothes, and using scissors. Here are some simple, fun activities to help your child strengthen their hands and fingers.
Play with small items, like beads and paper clips
Look around your house for small objects—o-shaped cereal works too! Have your child pick them up between their thumb and forefinger, a movement called the pincer grasp. Practice counting, sorting, or stringing them onto a piece of string or pipe cleaner to help develop finger control.
Get artsy!
Use pencils, crayons, and scissors to get creative. Drawing and coloring with crayons or markers helps your child practice holding writing tools. Cutting, folding, and tearing paper into small pieces are fun ways to build hand strength and dexterity.
Tip: Getting started with scissors
For beginners, try starting with play dough. It’s sturdier than paper and tends to stay in place, making it easier for kids to practice their scissor grip and cutting motion. Once they’re comfortable, they can move on to cutting paper.
Have fun with play dough
Squeezing, rolling, and shaping playdough is a fantastic way to build hand muscles—and it can help relieve stress too! Encourage your child to make different shapes or press objects into the dough to create patterns.
Directions
Combine flour, salt, and cream of tartar in a saucepan.
To keep it soft, store the play dough in an airtight container. It will last up to 3 months. 1 2 3 4 5 6
Stir in water, oil, and food coloring (if using).
Heat over medium, stirring until the mixture thickens and pulls away from the sides of the pan (about 3 minutes).
Once cool enough to handle, knead until smooth.
Time to play!
Easy Homemade Play Dough
Play dough isn’t just for fun; it’s a fantastic tool for developing the hand strength and dexterity that kids need for writing. Here’s how to whip up your own in just a few minutes:
Ingredients
• 1 cup flour
• ½ cup salt
• 2 teaspoons cream of tartar
• 1 cup water
• 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
• Food coloring (optional)
• Airtight container or bag for storage
Building language skills at home
Talking with your child is one of the best ways to help them develop strong language skills. Everyday moments offer great opportunities to talk, listen, and connect. Here are some simple and meaningful ways to engage in conversation with your child:
Talk about the world around you
Throughout the day, talk with your child about what you see, do, and experience together. For example, while folding laundry, you might say, “These socks are a matching pair. Can you find another pair that matches?” This helps your child learn new words and concepts.
Ask open-ended questions
Get your child thinking and talking by asking questions that need more than a yes or no answer. For example, should we pack for our picnic?” or “What do you think will happen next in this story?” keeps the conversation going and helps build problem-solving and language skills.
Share stories and songs
Storytelling and singing are great ways to connect with your child and share family traditions. Tell stories from your childhood or sing songs that are special to your family. Rhymes, rhythms, and repetition help children absorb language in a fun and memorable way.
Speak your family’s language
One of the best ways to build your child’s language skills?
If your family speaks a language other than English at home, keep using it with your child. Children can learn more than one language at a time, and being bilingual has lifelong benefits! Speaking your home language strengthens your child’s thinking skills, cultural identity, and overall language development.
ReadingTogether
Reading with your child often—in any language you’re comfortable with—helps them learn new words, develop thinking skills, and build a lifelong love of reading. Even if you’re not sure about reading out loud, talking about the pictures and stories is still really helpful.
RECOMMENDED READS
Read together often
Let your child hold the book and turn the pages. Point to the words and pictures as you go. This helps your child learn how we read: from left to right, top to bottom.
Talk about the story
After you finish, ask your child to tell the story in their own words or make up their own story using the pictures. This supports reading comprehension and encourages creative thinking.
Keep books within reach
Make books part of your child’s everyday life. Keep a few favorites by their bed, in the car, or in a bag for outings. Having books easily available encourages a love of reading.
Reading together is a great way to talk about feelings, ask questions, and prepare for big changes like starting school. Here are some great picks—find them at your local library.
Children are naturally curious about numbers and patterns. By adding simple math activities into your daily routine, you can help your child build strong math skills. Here’s how:
Count everything
Include math in daily routines. For example, count how many steps it takes to get to the mailbox or how many items are on the dinner plate. Count up to 10, then work up to 20, and beyond. Children love seeing how far they can go!
Spot shapes everywhere
Shapes are all around us! Look for circles, squares, and triangles in your surroundings. Point them out and name them together. For example, you might say, “Look, that clock is a circle!” or “Our window is shaped like a square.”
Sort by shape, color, and size
Encourage your child to sort items like toys or kitchen utensils. Have them group things by shape, size (big and small), length (long and short), and weight (light and heavy). Sorting helps them understand differences and similarities.
Recognize and repeat patterns
Help your child spot and create simple patterns, like “red sock, blue sock, red sock, blue sock” or “triangle, square, triangle, square.” You can use everyday items like socks, toys, or snacks to make it fun and interactive.
Make math fun!
Play games that involve counting, matching, or patterns. Board games and card games are great ways to practice math while having fun. Some easy options include Candy Land, Uno, and memory games where you match numbers or shapes.
Banana Yogurt Parfait
A fun and easy way to practice math skills is in the kitchen!
Your child will count, measure, and layer ingredients while making a tasty snack. MAKE AND COUNT:
You’ll Need:
1 banana
½ cup yogurt (any kind)
½ cup granola or crushed cereal
¼ cup berries (optional)
Directions:
Peel and slice the banana into 10 pieces. Count each slice together!
Spoon 2 tablespoons of yogurt into a cup or bowl.
Add a layer of banana slices on top of the yogurt.
Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of granola or crushed cereal over the bananas.
Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used.
Top with berries (optional) and enjoy! 1 2 3 4 5 6
Talk about it! Ask: “What comes next?” “How many layers do we have?” Math is everywhere — even in your snack!
Math in Action:
Count banana slices together
Measure yogurt, granola, and berries.
Sort ingredients
Create a pattern while layering (banana-yogurt-granola, repeat!)
Resources
Countdown to Kindergarten
South Carolina First Steps
Countdown to Kindergarten helps 4- and 5-year-olds transition to school by connecting families and teachers over the summer. Find free printable resources with tips on routines, early learning, play, and more.
scfirststeps.org
Day by Day SC
South Carolina State Library
The South Carolina Day by Day Family Literacy Calendar is a tool that families can use at home to develop early literacy skills that help young children become prepared for, and do better in, school.
daybydaysc.org
Family Guides for PreschoolKindergarten Development
Carolina Family Engagement Center
Explore six key areas of growth that support a child’s journey through preschool, with examples of the experiences and skills children need at ages three, four and five.
cfec.sc.gov
A Parent’s Guide to Kindergarten Transition in South Carolina
Family Connection of South Carolina
This guide provides good information for all parents navigating the transition into kindergarten in S.C., with additional useful details for families of children with disabilities.
familyconnectionsc.org
Supporting Early Literacy at Home: A Parent’s Guide
SC Department of Education
Online modules offering parents and caregivers the knowledge to foster early literacy, highlighting the crucial role of family involvement in reading success.
ed.sc.gov
Virtual SC Family Resources
SC Education Oversight Committee
SC Department of Education
A collection of helpful videos for families covering topics such as early childhood development, preparing for kindergarten, and getting ready for the school year.
virtualsc.org
What to Do If You’re Worried About Your Child’s Development
If you have worries about how your child is developing, here’s a simple step you can take: Contact your local public elementary school—even if your child doesn’t attend school there. Simply say, “I’m concerned about my child’s development and would like to have them evaluated for special education services.” Remember, you don’t need to wait for a doctor’s referral or a medical diagnosis to make this call.
6 THINGS Kindergarten Teachers
WANT YOU TO KNOW
Kindergarten is an important year for your child, and teachers have helpful insights to help make it a positive experience.
Kindergarten teachers value your role as the parent. They’re excited to join your team in helping your child grow and thrive.
families and teachers work together, children benefit
Children flourish when families and teachers are on the same team.
Feel free to ask for ideas on fun learning activities to do at home.
Stay in touch with your child’s teacher throughout the year. Make sure they know the best way to communicate with you.
Knowing what’s special about your family, including any challenges, helps teachers support your child better.
child will become more independent
Kindergarten offers many chances for your child to be independent. Encourage them to try new things and remind them that it’s okay to make mistakes.
Your encouragement matters
Your support is powerful. Simple phrases like “I know you can do it” and “You did it!” can go a long way. Let your child know you believe in them.
Help Your Teacher Get to Know Your Child
On the next page, you’ll find a short form to share with your child’s teacher. It helps teachers learn: Your child’s early learning experiences
What they love to do
Any support needs
The best way to stay in touch
GETTING TO KNOW
My Child
A Guide for My Child’s Kindergarten Teacher
Child’s Name:
ABOUT My Child Quick
My child’s favorite things:
Color:
Food:
Book: Game/activity:
Toy:
My child’s strengths are:
My child is afraid of: Other favorites:
My child does not like to:
Information
Name and relationship of person completing this form:
My child likes to be called:
Child’s birthday:
Parent/caregiver name(s):
Other adults living in the home:
Phone number:
Email address:
Preferred method of contact:
Best time to reach me:
My Child likes to: (check all that apply) Listen to stories Draw and color
Play with other children Play alone
Play outside Play quietly
I want you to know this about my child:
My child learns best by:
My Child’s Learning Experiences at Age 4:
My child is not enrolled in any preschool or early learning program.
My child has been enrolled in (name of preschool or program)
(date) from to
(date)
Child Care Center or School
About Our Family
We speak the following language in our home:
Family Child Care
Screenings & Assessments
Things I would like for you to know about our family (culture, activities we do together, special practices): There are children in our home.
Support Services My Child Receives:
If your child does not receive any special services, check here.
Has received Will receive this year Notes (provider name, day/time of week, or details)
Occupational therapy (OT)
Physical therapy (OT)
Speech and language therapy
Behavioral support (ABA, play therapy, other)
Other (please describe)
Please decscribe any other health needs:
Do you have any concerns about your child’s development, learning, and/or behavior?
You’ve got this!
Kindergarten is a big step — for your child and for you! It’s the start of new friendships, new routines, and new experiences. There will be exciting moments, and there may be a few tough ones, too. But through it all, your love and support are what matter most.
Remember:
You’re doing a great job.
Every book you’ve read, every question you’ve answered, every hug you’ve given — it all helps your child feel ready.
Every day is a new adventure.
Some mornings will be smooth, some might be bumpy. Keep showing up. Every day in school is a step toward success.
Your child will grow in ways you can’t even imagine.
This year, they’ll learn new words, make new friends, and try new things. Cheer them on, and celebrate their progress, big and small.
You are not alone.
Your child’s teacher, school, and community are here to support you. Don’t hesitate to ask questions, get involved, and reach out for help when needed.
Most of all — enjoy this moment!
Kindergarten is just the beginning of an amazing journey. Take a deep breath, snap a photo, and celebrate this milestone. You’ve got this!
This project is supported by SC First Steps and the SC Early Childhood Advisory Council with funding from the Preschool Development Grant Birth through Five Initiative (PDG B-5), Grant Number HHS-2024-ACF-ECD-TP-0055 from the Office of Child Care, Administration for Children and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, awarded to the South Carolina Department of Social Services, Division of Early Care and Education. Total number of documents printed: 33,000. Total cost per unit: $0.52. Total printing cost: $17,136. Printed with non-state funds.