1. Physical health and well-being

  • fine and gross motor development
  • levels of energy
  • daily preparedness for school (tired, late, hungry)
  • washroom independence
  • established handedness

2. Social competence

  • co-operation and respect for others (children and adults)
  • ability to work within the school environment
  • socially appropriate behaviour during school activities
  • self-control, self-confidence

3. Emotional maturity

  • pro-social behaviour: helping, tolerance, empathy
  • aggressive behaviour
  • anxiety, hyperactivity, inattention, impulsiveness
  • informal, peer-to-peer interaction

4. Language and cognitive development

  • interest in books, reading, language-related activities (rhyming, group reading)
  • literacy: ability to recognize letters, read and write simple words
  • interest in simple math-related activities
  • numeracy: ability to recognize and compare numbers, count, sort, etc.

5. Communication skills and general knowledge

  • ability to clearly communicate one’s own needs and understand others in English
  • clear articulation
  • active participation in storytelling (not necessarily with good grammar and syntax)
  • interest in and general knowledge about the world