Primary School Readiness Assessment
One of the greatest milestone in a child’s life is entering Primary School. In Singapore, that seems to be THE biggest milestone–the one which most prayers are activated, the one which calls for most parental participation, the one which even a non-parent would understand.
I’ve gone through this milestone for my two older kids, and I thought ok, just one more to go. Then of course, Meimei is different. She has learning difficulties, and needs extra help and attention. Thus when the therapist gave me a checklist, I thought—woah!! this is something new!
Initially, I thought the checklist was for super kiasu parents, Tiger Mummies who manifest before primary school. But no, it’s a list by KK Hospital’s the Department of Child Development. These aren’t Tiger Doctors…so this checklist isn’t a means to ensure your baby is ready at 4 yo for school. Rather, it’s really for parents of 6 yr olds to ensure transition to primary school is smooth, and if there are needs that the school needs to look into, so that the child can integrate well into the ‘system’.
You would notice the focus of Primary School preparation is nothing academic at all. Rather, it’s more important the child can communicate, move and socialise. I’ve picked out some highlights to the checklist that are not academic, that are really important life skills for each child. Do note that there are usual points like Motor Skills, Self-help skills, Numeracy & Literacy skills, which I’ve not included in the extract below.
Attention & Concentration Skills (for tasks within child’s level of competence)
- Able to independently engage in tasks for 5-10 min with good concentration
- Verbal guidance needed to engage in tasks
- Active guidance needed to develop interest, difficulty focusing on activities
- Short attention span (<5mins)
Speech, Language and Communication Skills
- Adequate written language communication skills
- Inadequate written language communication skills
- Adequate receptive and expressive language skills
- Adequate receptive language by delayed expressive language
- Delayed receptive language buy adequate expressive language
- Delayed receptive language and expressive language
- Little or no expressive language but some receptive skills
Can the child:
- Answer questions
- Relate ideas and experiences
- Ask peers or teachers for information or assistance
- Communicate own needs and wants
- Use non-verbal means to communicate own needs and wants
Following Instructions
Can the child:
- Follow 2-3 part directions (e.g. Put the book on the shelf, and bring the cup to the kitchen)
- Recall and follow directions for tasks previously described
- Follow group instructions
- Require instructions to be given individually
- Follow simple, single step instructions
- Require physical and verbal prompts to follow a single-step instructions
Social Skills
- Initiates and maintains peer interactions
- Plays cooperatively; shares materials
- Respects others and their property
- Speaks up for himself during conflict with peers
- Expresses emotions and affection appropriately
- IS willing to try something new
- Needs guidance to initiate or maintain peer interactions
- Needs guidance to be socially appropriate
- Needs active intervention by an adult for turn taking, sharing etc
- Has difficulty responding to limits; aggressive to self or others, refuses to comply
Coping with Transitions (e.g. change from one activity)
- Handles changes easily
- Requires visual cueing
- Requires verbal cueing
- Has some behavioural reactions, adjustment period needed
- Has great difficulty with transitions
Ability to Play
- Plays well with other children
- Plays on the periphery of other children
- Prefers to play alone, can play if guided to join activity
- Unable to play with other children; becomes easily overwhelmed or aggressive
- Does not interact with toys
I hope this lists gives much assurance to parents with Kindergarten going kids. This is part of the Primary 1 Readiness Assessment that our girl had to go for. Do note that during this assessment, the psychologist used this checklist titled, “Individual Pupil Transition Needs Checklist” to assess her. If you want a full copy of the checklist, do drop me an email.
Till then, we are working on areas that she needs to prepare to enter this new milestone.
May I have the full copy of the checklist. Thanks
Thanks for sharing, i know that it has been a long time, would it be possible to email the checklist to me?
That is a lot for a child to be prepared in all those ways. Goodness gracious!
That looks like an overwhelming amount of expectations, but after reading through the list it appears to be a very well thought out list.
that seems like an overwhelming list, but really when you break it down it’s not all that bad or unrealistic.
It is super helpful to have a list like that so you know the expectations and aren’t surprised when school starts!
Sounds like they want to make sure the kids are really ready to learn.
It is interesting to see how much is required of younger students, and just what it takes to help them succeed.
I really love this list. I think it’s important to prepare your child to ensure the best school experience possible!
Times have really changed when it comes to what one considers ‘readiness’ for school I think. School is so much more competitive now than when it was when I was a kid. Even in university here in our state all the incoming freshman need to take a test for the core classes and then another assessment when they complete them.
These guidelines are so confusing. I wish the guidelines would just say knows how to read, can do this, etc.
Seeing it all listed out like that looks overwhelming. But once you read through it, the list really isn’t unreasonable.
Can I have a copy of the check list.
Thank you
Edwin
Hi Edwin:
I just sent the checklist over!
Can I have a copy of the checklist too? Thanks!
Thank you for being honest about your sharing and how you have overcomes each challenge. Your sharing have been an encouragement for me. May I have the checklist please.
Hi, could you send the check list to me, too?
hi, my second child has some delays and we plan to ask her kkh dr about this assessment at the next appt. could I have a copy so that I know what to ask, pls? Thank you
Hi,
It is insightful reading your post.
Please email me a copy of the “Individual Pupil Transition Needs Checklist”, thank you very much! 🙂
Hi, Can u please send me a copy of the checklist to my id? Thanks!
Hi,
Thank you for the useful tipsssss.
is it possible to have a full checklist?
thank you!!
Hi, may I have a full copy of the checklist? Thank you!
HI, thanks for your sharing and may i get a copy please……
Hi,
Can I have the full checklist too?
Thank You!
Hi, I would like to have the list. Thank you.
Hi,
Can I have the full checklist? Thanks.
Hi, would you mind sharing a copy of the checklist with me please? Thank you very much!
Hi,
Can i get a copy of the checklist too pls? Thanks!
Hi,
Can I have a copy of the checklist please? Thanks!
Hi,
May I have the checklist, please? Thanks in advance!
Hi, I am wondering if you still have a copy of the checklist? I would like to request for a copy – much appreciated!
can i have the checklist too? thanks!
Hi. Can i please have a copy of that checklist too. Thanks 🙂
Hi, may I have a copy of the checklist. Thank you for sharing, greatly appreciate it.
Hi, would love to have the checklist if it’s available still. Thank you.
Hi. May I have a copy of the check list too? Appreciated
Hi. May I have a copy of the checklist too? Much appreciated.
Hello, I would like to have a copy of your primary readiness assessment form
Thank you
Hi mumseword,
Would love to have the school readiness checklist if it’s still available. Thank you for sharing the article with us even if it’s 5 years ago. Greatly appreciate it!
Hi mumseword,
Do u still have a copy of the checklist and is it still available?. Appreciate it! Thanks!
Hi.
My son will be taking the class readiness assessment. Can you mail me the checklist? May I know which centre did she go to?
Thank you
Hi can i have a copy of the check list too?much appreciated
Hi can I have d copy of the checklist too?