Is your little one heading to kindergarten soon? 🎒✏️ It’s a big milestone—and naturally, many parents wonder what skills their child needs to be truly ready. The good news? You don’t need to rely on guesswork.
As a pediatric occupational therapist, I worked with countless families to help children build the fine motor, emotional, and pre-academic foundations they need to thrive in school. Kindergarten readiness isn’t just about knowing letters and numbers; it’s also about having the motor coordination, independence, and confidence to participate, learn, and grow.
In this post, I’m sharing 25 practical, developmentally appropriate tips to help your preschooler prepare for kindergarten success—starting now, from pencil grasp to scissor skills, social development to routines, you’ll find easy ways to support your child at home and make the transition smoother for everyone.
Let’s get started! 💛
✏️ Pre-Academic Skills
1. Practice Name Recognition
Teach preschoolers to recognize their first name on name tags, lunch boxes, and cubbies.
2. Explore Letters & Sounds
Read alphabet books, play letter matching games, and explore phonics through songs.
3. Count Out Loud & Recognize Numbers
Practice counting to 20 and identifying numbers in everyday life (like house numbers or speed limit signs).
4. Sort & Classify Objects
Use toys, snacks, or nature finds to teach sorting by color, shape, or size.
5. Read Together Daily
Enhance language, vocabulary, and comprehension through regular storytime.
✂️ Fine Motor Skills
6. Practice Drawing Pre-writing Strokes
Practice drawing simple lines and shapes, in sand, shaving cream, or using sidewalk chalk. Fun Strokes pre-writing magnets are a great option because they turn pre-writing practice into a fun activity!
7. Work on a Vertical Surface, Like an Easel Or Whiteboard
Working on a vertical surface builds fine motor strength, encourages correct pencil grasp, and so much more! Read more about the benefits of working on a vertical surface here.
Don’t have one? Convert your kitchen refrigerator into one by covering one side with paper. The paper roll meant for easels works great! Secure with magnetic tools such as Fun Strokes Pre-writing Magnets.
8. Use Safety Scissors
Introduce child-safe scissors and practice snipping and cutting along simple lines. Cutting playdough is a great, safe option.
9. Use Tools
Use short crayons or markers, golf pencils, and/or rock crayons that naturally encourage a tripod grasp.
Use tools like tongs and tweezers to pick up small objects. This builds hand strength and coordination.
10. Incorporate Buttoning, Zipping, and Snapping While Playing Dress Up
Play dress-up with items featuring large buttons, snaps, and zippers. These self-help skills also develop hand strength, dexterity, and independence.
11. Teach Shoe Tying
A great way to start kindergarten is to develop independent self-help skills, especially this one. Start teaching your child how to do this early on (the summer before starting kindergarten). Begin with a simple knot and build upon it. Practice, practice, practice daily until they can do it! Most children learn how to tie their shoes between the ages of 5 and 6. For more tips on how to teach children how to tie their shoes, check out this post: How to Teach Kids of ALL Abilities How to Tie Shoes
🧠 Executive Functioning & Cognitive Skills
12. Play Memory Games
Matching cards, puzzles, or “what’s missing” games help build working memory and attention.
13. Practice Simple 2–3 Step Directions
“Put your shoes on, grab your backpack, and wait by the door” builds sequencing skills.
14. Talk Through Problem-Solving
Ask open-ended questions, such as “What can we try if that doesn’t work?” to encourage critical thinking and reasoning.
15. Use Visual Schedules
Simple picture routines help with transitions and independence.
16. Limit Screen Time
Replace it with hands-on play that promotes focus, creativity, and interaction.
👯 Social & Emotion Skills
17. Model & Practice Sharing and Turn-Taking
Play simple games where taking turns is expected.
18. Label Emotions & Talk About Feelings
Books, puppets, or simple discussions help kids name and manage big feelings.
19. Encourage Independent Play
This boosts focus, imagination, and problem-solving.
20. Give Responsibility for Simple Tasks
Let them set the table, pack part of their lunch, or feed a pet.
21. Practice Saying Goodbye & Separating
Build comfort with short separations to ease the transition to kindergarten.
🏃 Gross Motor & Physical Development
22. Work on Balance & Coordination
Play hopscotch, walk a balance beam, or play” Simon Says” with movement.
23. Develop Core Strength
Encourage climbing, animal walks, and tummy time for preschoolers!
24. Play Outside Daily
Free movement outdoors supports brain development and physical health.
25. Cross Midline
Incorporate Brain Gym-style movements like cross crawls, windmills, and clapping games.
Keep It Playful
Learning happens best when kids are having fun—sing, dance, move, and make it a joyful experience!
⭐ Bonus Tip:
Remember that every child develops at their own pace. Celebrate small victories, offer encouragement, and focus on building confidence and connection above all else.
🎒✨ Is Your Child Ready for Kindergarten?
Grab my FREE Kindergarten Readiness Checklist—because starting school should feel exciting, not overwhelming!
This printable resource is packed with realistic, age-appropriate milestones and activities that support:
✅ Pre-academic skills
✅ Pre-writing & fine motor skills
✅ Self-help skills
✅ Social-emotional skills
✅ Classroom confidence
Perfect for children aged 3–5 and ideal for parents, teachers, and therapists!
💡 Whether you’re just getting started or looking to build your child’s confidence before the big day, this checklist will help you support development in fun, hands-on ways.
A Quick Note About Links & Advice:
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The Fun Strokes blog is designed for educational and informational use only for teachers, therapists, and parents. It is not intended to provide medical advice or therapeutic treatment that would be included in an individualized treatment plan. If you suspect a child may have developmental delays, please consult an occupational therapist or a medical professional.