Skills checklist for two-year-olds

Remember that your child has the entire year to accomplish these skills!

Phonics / Reading

• Can say the alphabet without singing it.
• Memorizes several short poems or nursery rhymes.
• Understands that reading is down from left to right.
• Able to handle books gently.
• Able to point to pictures when asked questions about them. (Where is the red bird?)
• Enjoys the library.

Writing / Penmanship

• Holds a crayon correctly when coloring.
• Can trace straight lines.
• Can trace curved and zig-zag lines.
• Demonstrates proper posture while drawing or coloring.

Math

• Can count out loud to 20.
• Can count objects to 20.
• Understands simple comparisons and superlatives like Big, Little, Long, short...
• Can sort objects by size and color.

Science / Health

• Recognizes a variety of domestic and wild animals and the sounds they make.
• Knows the names of outside objects, (sky, cloud, tree, rock, moon...)
• Starting to understand the basics of good health principles, (diet, hygiene, exercise, sleep...)
• Starting to understand basic safety principles, (don't touch the stove...)

Social Studies

• Knows the different family members names. (Mommy, Daddy, sister, brother, Aunt, Uncle, grandma, grandpa)
• Knows the names of common foods.
• Knows the names of articles of clothing.
• Knows the names of different rooms in the house.(Kitchen, dining room, utility room...)
• Knows the names of different pieces of furniture.(Desk, chair, couch...)

Readiness Skills

• Identifies the colors red, yellow, blue, green, purple, orange, pink, brown, black and white.
• Remembers colors from memory. (What color are carrots? Peas? Corn?)
• Identifies the shapes circle, square, triangle, rectangle, oval, star, arrow, cross and (crescent) moon.
• Begins to sit quietly for short periods of time when listening to a story.
• Follows a series of directions,ie. "Please put your nightgown in the hamper, get dressed and then make your bed."
• Names different school supplies and is familiar with their use.
• Takes proper care of his school supplies.

Music

• Listens to a variety of music.
• Enjoys singing and knows the words to several children's songs.
• Keeps simple time and rhythm by clapping hands.
• Makes music by banging pots, sticks or blocks together.
• May be taught to play the piano at this age. (Must be taught not to bang on the keys from day 1!)

Physical Education

• Enjoys running, jumping, hopping, climbing, chasing, being chased...
• Enjoys dancing to music.

Arts / Crafts

• Is familiar with and uses a variety of art mediums, colors and textures.
• Takes care of her art supplies.

Manners / Helping

• Helps with picking up toys and putting them away.
• Helps make her bed.
• Learning to say Please, Thank you, You're welcome and excuse me.
• Learning to say yes/no sir/ma'am.
• Gets things for you and puts things in trash when asked.
• Puts dirty clothes in hamper or laundry room.
• Feeds the dog/cat.
• Helps wash the car.
• Puts his dirty dishes in the sink after eating.

Personal Care

• Dresses herself with minimal assistance. (May still need help with buttons or zippers.)
• Potty trained but still needs assistance wiping self after a bowel movement. (NOTE: Although most children are potty trained by the time they turn 3, some take longer to get the hang of it.)
• Washes and dries hands after using the bathroom and before meals. (Keep a step stool by the sink)