Is My Child Ready for Grade 1?
A simple checklist of everyday skills that help children settle into Grade 1. Tick what your child can already do.
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This is a general guide, not an assessment. Every child develops differently. If you’re worried about your child’s readiness, talk to their teacher.
How it works
These are everyday skills that teachers often mention as helping children cope in a Grade 1 classroom: managing on their own, getting along with others, listening, using a pencil, moving confidently and working with numbers.
Your ticks are saved only in this browser, so you can come back and update them as your child grows. Nothing is sent anywhere.
Not sure which year your child starts? Use the grade calculator.
Questions
Does my child need to tick every box?
No. Children develop at different rates, and most are still working on a few of these skills when they start Grade 1. The checklist is a guide to what to practise, not a test.
What if my child struggles with several areas?
Talk to their Grade R teacher, who sees them in a classroom every day. If you have concerns, a school readiness assessment by an educational psychologist or occupational therapist can give a fuller picture.
How old must my child be for Grade 1?
In public schools, a child must be five turning six by 30 June of the year they start. Use the grade calculator to check your child’s year.