• Math tutors
• /
• Blog
• /
• 1st Grade Readiness Checklist: Preparing Your Child for School

1st Grade Readiness Checklist: Preparing Your Child for School

Getting ready for first grade means kids are about to dive deeper into books, new math adventures, and friendships that will make school even more fun. A 1st grade readiness checklist gives parents a simple way to see what their child should know before the big move. So, let’s take a look together.

Key points

• Starting first grade is a big adventure, and a first grade readiness checklist helps parents see which skills kids need to feel confident and happy at school.
• The checklist covers math, reading, writing, speaking and listening, and social skills, so you can spot what your child already knows and what might need a little extra practice.
• In the article, you can find a 1st grade readiness checklist printable and check off skills at home, turning learning into small, fun daily activities.
• 1st grade math worksheets and 1st grade reading worksheets make practicing easy, playful, and stress-free.
• For extra support, Brighterly math and reading platform offers engaging tutors and interactive exercises to boost skills and confidence.

What should a kid know before 1st grade? 

Before 1st grade, a child should know basic letters, numbers, shapes, and colors, follow simple directions, and recognize their name in print. They should also be able to express needs clearly, play with others, and focus on short tasks. These skills make the start of school smoother and more enjoyable.

Here’s Brighterly’s 1st grade readiness checklist to help you see which skills children usually need before starting first grade. I’ve grouped the skills into 5 categories: 

1. Math – Recognize numbers, count objects, and begin simple addition and subtraction.
2. Reading – Know basic sight words, sound out short words, and follow simple stories.
3. Writing – Write their name, copy short sentences, and use both upper- and lowercase letters.
4. Language & Communication – Express needs clearly, ask questions, and understand simple instructions.
5. Social & Self-help skills – Take turns, follow routines, and complete small tasks independently.

1st grade readiness checklist

Wondering what should a child entering first grade know to feel confident and enjoy school? These are the key skills that help kids explore, play, and learn with curiosity. I’ve created a free 1st grade readiness checklist you can hang up or show to your child. Turn learning into a little adventure by letting your child complete skills or mini-tasks to earn stickers or rewards. Kids love racing to check off each step, and it turns practice into a playful game instead of a chore!

1st grade math skills checklist

• Recognize and write numbers up to 100
• Count objects and understand number sequences
• Add and subtract small numbers (up to 20)
• Understand basic place value (tens and ones)
• Tell time to the hour and half-hour
• Identify 2D and 3D shapes
• Count coins like pennies, nickels, and dimes
• Compare lengths, weights, and volumes
• Solve simple word problems with addition or subtraction

How can Brighterly help improve your kid’s math skills?

Getting comfortable with numbers and simple math ideas is a key part of first grade! Brighterly has 1st grade math worksheets that make practicing addition, subtraction, counting, shapes, time, and money fun and easy. Kids can do a little at a time and enjoy small successes. Short daily practice sessions help children feel ready and excited for math. Brighterly isn’t just about math and reading tutoring it’s a school-supplemental K–12 learning platform built on a foundation-first approach, helping kids master math and reading with personalized 1:1 teaching fully aligned with the US state standards.

With Brighterly math checklist, learning can turn into a fun little adventure. Kids can count snack crackers, sort toys by color, or make patterns with blocks. These simple games help children practice important skills while having fun and feeling proud of what they can do.

Parents also may use 1st grade readiness assessment worksheets to make tracking progress simple. They cover reading, math, and thinking skills, giving you a clear picture of what your child knows and what to practice a bit more. Using these worksheets regularly can make learning feel like playtime and get your child ready to shine in first grade. Parents can book a free lesson with a math tutor for 1st graders.

1st grade reading skills checklist

• Recognize and read simple sight words
• Sound out short words using letter sounds
• Follow along with simple sentences and stories
• Retell a story in their own words
• Recognize punctuation and use it when reading aloud
• Start asking and answering questions about the story

What should a 1st grader be able to read?

By first grade, kids are usually ready to read short stories and simple passages with confidence. A 1st grade readiness checklist is free to use to help parents see which skills to focus on, like recognizing sight words, sounding out short words, and reading sentences from left to right. They should also start reading aloud with expression, noticing punctuation, and understanding the basic meaning of the story.

Little daily activities at home can make a big difference. Reading together, counting toys or snacks, or talking about a short story can turn learning into a game. The goal is to make your child feel proud and excited to start first grade.

First graders can often retell a story in their own words, answer simple questions about what happened, and connect the story to things they know in  life.  A 1st grade reading test can show which skills your child has already mastered and which ones might need a little extra attention, helping make reading fun and encouraging.

Get better at reading with Brighterly

Reading in first grade is more than just recognizing words — it’s about understanding stories and enjoying them. 1st grade reading worksheets help kids practice key skills like recognizing common sight words, sounding out short words, following simple sentences, and answering questions about what they read. These exercises also build comprehension, helping children retell stories in their own words and notice important details.

 

Daily practice, even just 10–15 minutes, makes a big difference. Worksheets guide kids step by step, turning reading into a fun and rewarding routine. With regular practice, your child gains confidence, reads more smoothly, and starts loving books while developing essential skills for first grade success. Helping your child practice literacy skills like recognizing letters and sounds, reading sight words, and writing simple sentences gives them a strong foundation for first grade and builds confidence in reading and writing.

1st grade language & communication skills checklist

• Express needs clearly
• Ask questions to learn or clarify
• Follow simple instructions
• Use complete sentences when speaking
• Listen attentively during stories or explanations

Despite knowing a reading and math program, strong communication skills help children express needs and understand instructions. Every day language activities turn listening, speaking, and following directions into fun daily routines. Kids gain confidence by practicing simple conversations and asking questions. Parents can practice language skills in playful ways, like answering story questions or giving mini-presentations, boosting confidence and independence. This checklist can help you find out is your child ready for first grade learning or not.

1st grade writing skills checklist

• Write their first and last name clearly
• Copy short words and simple sentences
• Use uppercase and lowercase letters correctly
• Begin forming letters neatly and consistently
• Draw simple pictures to support a story or idea

What should a child entering first grade know in writing? Writing is an important skill for first graders, helping them express ideas clearly. 

How can you help? Try to make practicing letters, words, and sentences fun and manageable. Kids can take small steps each day, building neat handwriting and confidence. These activities make writing feel playful, encouraging pride in their progress.

1st grade social & self-help skills checklist

• Take turns and share with classmates
• Follow classroom rules and routines
• Complete small tasks independently
• Manage basic personal hygiene
• Show empathy and cooperate in group activities

Social and self-help skills are key for children to feel confident in school. Some activities help kids practice taking turns, following routines, and completing small tasks independently. These skills make daily classroom life smoother and more enjoyable. Also, parents can do printable 1st grade readiness checklist themselves to track their child’s progress and make learning daily skills fun and manageable.

1st grade reading tutors making learning fun

Reading can be exciting when children feel confident and proud of what they learn. 1st grade reading tutors help children enjoy reading and feel proud of their progress. They guide kids through simple steps like recognizing words, sounding out letters, reading short stories, and answering questions about what they read. Learning becomes relaxed and playful, helping children feel more confident and curious.

Brighterly makes reading clear, fun, and supportive for first graders. Children can take small steps at own pace and celebrate each success. Parents can book free lesson to see how tutors can make reading fun and rewarding.

First grade readiness checklist PDF

If you prefer having a handy version you can print and check off, Brighterly 1st grade readiness checklist makes it easy. It’s colorful, simple, and perfect for keeping track without any stress.

Using the checklist can also turn learning into fun little daily routines. Parents can read together, practice counting, or explore short stories and simple math problems. With this first grade readiness checklist PDF, you’ll have a clear guide to support your child’s learning and help them feel ready, confident, and excited for first grade.

End of first grade skills checklist

Finishing the first grade skills checklist is a great way to see how your child is doing and spot a few areas where they might need a little extra practice. Mixing reading and math into everyday activities helps kids feel confident and curious. Simple things like reading a short story together or practicing addition with toys or snacks make learning fun and easy.

A good reading and math program can make this even smoother for parents. Worksheets and fun exercises guide kids step by step while letting them explore at their own pace. With regular practice and encouragement, children build confidence, master important skills, and start to really enjoy learning.