The document discusses preparing children for school success by age 5. It emphasizes that parents have a major role in ensuring children are physically, mentally, socially, and emotionally ready to learn by kindergarten. The document provides tips for activities parents can do with children like reading daily, playing outside, eating healthy, and establishing routines to promote school readiness in all developmental areas.

1. YOU HAVE 2000 DAYS TO GET YOUR
CHILDREN READY FOR SCHOOL
WILL THEY
BE READY?
MSU’S Office of K-12 Outreach works with K-12
educators, administrators, and policy makers to
connect research with practice.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Ages & Stages Questionnaires
Learn about your child’s development
agesandstages.com
Zero to Three
Early connections last a lifetime
zerotothree.org
Early On Michigan
Children’s health and development
1800earlyon.org
MSU Extension
Resources and tools for school readiness
msue.anr.msu.edu/topic/info/early_
childhood_development
Thirty Million Words
Build your baby’s brain
thirtymillionwords.org
S C H O O L R E A D I N E S S
MEANS
P A R E N T R E A D I N E S S
By age 5, children’s brains are already 92%
developed, so parents have a major impact
on whether their children are ready to learn.
Students need to be physically, mentally,
socially, and emotionally prepared for
kindergarten – and that is up to you!
Office of K-12 Outreach
College of Education
Office of K-12 Outreach
College of Education
http://education.msu.edu/k12/
(517)353-8950
k-12out@msu.edu

2. Do you play with your child every day?
• Remember that play is a child’s work.
Children solve problems and learn new
skills through play. You are your child’s first
playmate.
How much time do you spend reading to your
child?
• Achievement gaps tend to appear before
children start school. Reading to your child
every day will help them towards literacy.
Recognizing shapes, counting to ten, and
having basic drawing and craft skills are
things children need to know before they
start school.
Do you talk to your child or with your child?
• Communicating isn’t just about reading
to your child – it’s about interacting
with them throughout the day. Better
prepared children hear about 30 million
words before they start school, and learn
how to tell stories and develop empathy.
Does your child have a routine?
• Having a regular routine and being able
to understand and follow instructions
is a fundamental skill if children are to
succeed in school. It’s not just about
disciplining your child – it’s about
guidance and positive reinforcement.
How often does your child play outside?
• Motor skills are critical for physical
development. Children should engage
in physical activity several times a day.
When they’re old enough, they should play
outside. By age 5, they should be able to
jump, balance on one foot, and throw and
catch a ball.
Does your child have a regular doctor?
• Many childhood health problems can be
identified and treated at an early age.
You can arrange home visits with child
development specialists through Early On.
Does your child eat fruits or vegetables with
every meal?
• Good nutrition is critical to growing a
healthy body, as is brushing after every
meal, and knowing how to wash their hands
after going to the bathroom.
WILL YOUR CHILD BE READY FOR THE FIRST DAY OF KINDERGARTEN?
PHYSICALLY PREPARED MENTALLY PREPARED
SOCIALLY & EMOTIONALLY
PREPARED