When the calendar turns to the month of August, parents of small children everywhere know that many of those little ones will soon be taking their seats in kindergarten classrooms for the first time.

Like a lot of things, kindergarten has changed over the years. Here is a generalized list of things kindergarten-aged children should be able to do that parents should keep in mind as the big day approaches.

The list was prepared by Scholastic, an online product, advice and advocacy site.

1. Identify some letters of the alphabet.

2. Grip a pencil, crayon, or marker correctly.

3. Write their first name using upper- and lowercase letters, if possible.

4. Learn sounds corresponding to vowels and consonants.

5. Recognize some common sight words, like “said” and “do.”

6. Be able to recognize names of colors and parts of the body.

7. Recognize and produce rhyming words.

8. Repeat full name and birthday.

9. Recite the days of the week and months of the year.

10. Classify objects according to their size, shape, and quantity.

11. Count to 10.

12. Listen attentively without interrupting and raise hand to speak.

13. Follow multi-step directions.

14. Work together with a friend or in small groups on a team project.

15. Use scissors, glue, paint, and other art materials with relative ease.

16. Manage bathroom needs.

17. Get dressed.

18. Clean up after self.

19. Separate from parents easily.

20. Know how to interact with a book.

One size does not fit all and children’s abilities will vary from one person to another.

That said, taking steps to get them ready can’t be a bad thing.

–Marquette Mining Journal