Definition of School Readiness:
School Readiness means that children are ready for school, families are ready to support their child's learning, and schools are ready for children.
Whether a child attends a center-based preschool setting, a home-based preschool setting, a Head Start, or parent-driven teachings, early "school" experiences can provide stability and consistency between settings for children.
What makes for a successful transition?
When collaboration and connections are strong, transitions can be effective for children and families as they make the move to kindergarten. When these transitions are successful, children and families are more likely to experience better long-term school success.
For Parents
Your Child is Going to Kindergarten: Making the Move Together
Transition to Kindergarten: Activity Calendar for Families
Kindergarten Transition Fam Jam Podcast: SD Statewide Family Engagement Center - Episode 07 (26:13)
For Educators
Early Childhood Transitions: Supporting Children and Families
Transition to Kindergarten: Activity Calendar for Educators
Leadership Practices for Successful Transitions to Kindergarten
South Dakota Kindergarten Standards
English Language Arts
English Language Arts Standards are divided by Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening, and Language.
Mathematics
Mathematics Standards are divided by Counting and Cardinality, Operations and Algebraic Thinking, Numbers and Operations by Ten, Measurement and Data, and Geometry.
Science
The Core Ideas of the Kindergarten standards include:
- Motion and Stability: Forces and Interactions
- Energy
- From Molecules to Organisms: Structures and Processes
- Earth's Systems
- Earth and Human Activity
Science Standards are divided by Physical Science, Life Science, and Earth and Space Science and fall under the Core Ideas above.
Fine Arts
Fine Arts Standards are divided by Dance (creating, performing, responding, connecting), Media Arts (creating, producing, responding, connecting), Music (creating, performing, responding, connecting), Theatre Arts (creating, performing, responding, connecting), and Visual Arts (creating, presenting, responding, connecting).
Social Studies
Social Studies Standards are divided by History, Civics/Government, Geography, and Economics.
Educational Technology
Educational Technology Standards are divided by Empowered Learner, Computational Thinker, Digital Citizen, Innovative Designer, Creative Communicator, Global Collaborator, and Knowledge Constructor.
Health Education
Health Education Standards are divided by Comprehending Concepts, Analyzing Influences, Accessing Information, Interpersonal Communication, Decision Making, Goal-Setting, Self-Management, and Advocacy revolving around health knowledge, behavior, and health norms.
Physical Education
Physical Education Standards are divided by Locomotor, Non-Locomotor, Manipulative, Movement Concepts/Motor Planning, Effort Concepts, Relationship Concepts, Fitness Principles, Overarching Principles, Physical Activity Knowledge, Engages in Physical Activity, Fitness Knowledge, Nutrition, Personal Responsibility, Accepting Feedback, Working with Others, Rules and Etiquette, Safety, Health, Challenge, Self-Expression/Enjoyment, and Social Interaction.
School Library
School Library Standards are divided by Textual Literacy, Information Literacy, and Civic & Ethical Literacy.
World Language
World Language Standards are divided by Communications, Cultures, Connections, Comparisons, and Communities.
Want it all in one place? Get your copy of the South Dakota Crosswalk between SD Early Learning Guidelines and SD Kindergarten Content Standards.
