What should children be able to do as they prepare for kindergarten?

As children prepare for kindergarten, being able to write their own names and recognize many letters of the alphabet is essential. This skill demonstrates not only fine motor development but also a foundational understanding of print and the alphabetic principle. Writing their name is significant because it is a personal identification skill that children will use frequently, both in school and beyond. Recognizing letters allows children to connect sounds to the appropriate symbols, which is fundamental for both reading and writing. Mastery of writing their name and a range of letters supports early literacy development and fosters confidence as they embark on their educational journey. This skill set sets the stage for more advanced literacy tasks they will encounter in kindergarten, such as sounding out words and building vocabulary.