Explore all 32 skills your child needs for kindergarten. Each skill page includes a clear definition, teaching tips, practice ideas, and a free printable resource.
Reading is the foundation of all academic learning. These skills build on each other in a structured progression — from recognizing letters to reading full sentences.
Letter recognition is the ability to identify and name all 26 uppercase and lowercase letters of the...
Beginning sounds (initial sounds) is the ability to identify the first sound in a spoken word. For e...
Ending sounds (final sounds) is the ability to identify the last sound in a spoken word. For example...
Phonics is the relationship between letters and the sounds they represent. It includes learning indi...
Rhyming is the ability to recognize and produce words that share the same ending sound pattern, such...
CVC words are three-letter words that follow a consonant-vowel-consonant pattern, such as "cat," "do...
Word families are groups of words that share a common ending pattern (rime), such as the -at family ...
Blending is the ability to combine individual sounds (phonemes) into a complete word. For example, h...
Sight words (also called high-frequency words) are common words that children learn to recognize ins...
Sentence reading is the ability to read a complete sentence with understanding. It combines sight wo...
Sentence comprehension is the ability to understand the meaning of what is read, not just decode the...
Early math is about building number sense and logical thinking. These skills progress from concrete counting to abstract operations.
Counting to 10 is the foundational math skill where children learn to recite numbers 1 through 10 in...
Number recognition is the ability to identify and name written numerals (0, 1, 2, 3... up to 20 and ...
Counting to 20 extends counting skills through the teen numbers (11–19) and to 20. Teen numbers are ...
Counting is the foundational math skill that includes recognizing written numerals, reciting numbers...
Counting to 100 is the ability to recite numbers in order from 1 to 100, recognize written numerals ...
Comparing more and less is the ability to determine which group has more objects, which has fewer, a...
2D shapes (two-dimensional shapes) are flat shapes with length and width but no depth. The basic 2D ...
Shape recognition is the ability to identify, name, and describe geometric shapes like circles, squa...
ABAB patterns are the simplest repeating patterns where two elements alternate: red-blue-red-blue, c...
Pattern recognition is the ability to identify and extend repeating sequences. Patterns can involve ...
Addition within 10 is the ability to combine two groups of objects and find the total, where the sum...
Subtraction within 10 is the ability to take away from a group and find how many are left, where all...
Thinking skills are the cognitive tools that help children learn how to learn. These abilities support reading, math, and everyday problem-solving.
Following directions is the ability to listen to, understand, and carry out instructions. It starts ...
Sorting (classification) is the ability to group objects by a shared attribute such as color, size, ...
Category sorting is the ability to group items by abstract categories such as function (things you e...
Sequencing is the ability to arrange events, steps, or items in a logical order. It includes underst...
Working memory is the ability to hold information in mind and use it. For children, this means remem...
Memory practice involves structured activities that specifically target and strengthen visual memory...
Logic is the ability to use reasoning, deduction, and process of elimination to find an answer. It i...
Problem-solving basics introduces young children to the concept of encountering a challenge and work...
Problem-solving is the ability to identify a challenge, consider possible solutions, try an approach...