When young learners begin kindergarten, they arrive with a variety of habits, irritations, and differing levels of readiness to engage in a structured learning environment. Some may be eager to dive in, while others need more time to adjust. One of the most effective tools I use to get an early understanding of where each student stands is my initial assessment of their readiness, which I call the “Welcome to Kindergarten Activity.” In its full version, this interactive assessment provides me with a snapshot of each child’s abilities, strengths, and areas needing support, allowing me to tailor my approach to their individual learning journey. Through this early assessment, I gain valuable insight into how I can foster a positive and supportive classroom environment that meets each student where they are.
Formative Assessment of Readiness
I created a formative assessment specifically geared toward young learners entering kindergarten, which I administer during the first two weeks of school as students continue to arrive and enroll. This formative assessment is designed to observe and evaluate not just academic achievement but also the early behaviors that indicate readiness for a structured learning environment. Click here to make a copy and try the interactive sample version.
The purpose of this assessment is not to group students into certain categories, or determine class ranking (Origin of Everything, 2017).
Its purpose is to gather a foundational understanding of each student’s readiness for school. It also helps me identify their interests, strengths, and areas of support needed for success. By integrating elements of behaviorism, I am able to observe how students respond to external stimuli, follow instructions, and engage in classroom routines, providing early insights into their capacity to thrive in the learning environment.
In addition, this is an assessment that enables me to design an explicit instructional strategy rooted in culturally responsive teaching principles, ensuring that each child’s unique background, experiences, and ways of learning are honored and respected. This approach allows me to tailor my teaching strategies to meet the diverse needs of my students, fostering an inclusive and supportive classroom. Ultimately, this assessment sets the tone for my instructional practices and establishes a foundation for future learning, guiding each student’s growth throughout the year.
Final Thoughts
Creating an interactive, formative assessment tool that helps identify what young learners might be thinking when they begin school has been one of the best practices in my teaching career. The “Welcome to Kindergarten Activity” serves as a low-stakes assessment that will effectively focus students on the process of learning (Schneider et al., 2013). It offers students a fun and engaging experience while providing me with valuable initial impressions of their readiness and interests. This tool not only gives insight into each child’s academic and social-emotional development but also allows me to design comprehensive academic programs that are equitable and inclusive. By incorporating diversity and differentiation from the start, I ensure that all students receive the support they need to succeed. This formative assessment fosters an environment where every child feels valued and capable, setting the foundation for a year of growth and achievement.
References
Buckingham, A. (2024). A kindergarten girl’s first day of school [ChatGPT 4o Image] CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 DEED. Angeliabuckingham.com.
Origin of Everything. (2017, November 1). Why do we get grades in school? [Video]. Youtube.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NqjolyDN5tw
Schneider, J. and Hutt, E. (2013). Making the grade: a history of the A–F marking scheme. Journal of Curriculum Studies.
