Social Skills He or she may be able to: follow directions hold a conversation and speak clearly play and share with others.

Bigger Class Sizes Your child may be in class with 20 children or more. This may mean less individual attention. But, also means a chance to: develop independent work habits learn to work and play with a group learn from the diversity of classmates

Emotional Skills He or she may have learned to: be aware of other people's feelings use words to express feelings instead of hitting or having a temper tantrum.

Understand your child Every child develops at a different rate. Avoid comparing him or her to others. Don't try to pressure your child to learn new skills before he or she is ready.

Be patient Many children going into kindergarten don't have all the skills listed above. But, most will develop them: during the summer before school starts during the first few weeks or months of kindergarten.

Self-esteem He or she may feel more: independent-able to do many things without help self-confident-having a positive, "I-can-do-it" attitude.

Learn more about child development Ask for resources at your local library.

Thinking Skills He or she may: be able to pay attention and follow simple instructions know basic problem-solving skills recognize letters, words, colors and shapes make up stories, poems, songs and riddles.

Physical Skills He or she may be able to: use crayons, pencils, scissors, buttons and zippers skip, jump, and kick and catch a ball.

More focus on learning Compared to preschool or day care, your child may spend more time doing: science and math activities reading and writing activities pencil and paper exercises

More structure Most kindergartens have a daily routine. For example, they may use the library and playground only at set times.

Practice healthy habits Encourage your child to: wash hands after using the bathroom and before eating take regular baths or showers brush teeth at least 2 times a day and floss daily wear clean clothes. Ask your health-care provider if your child has all needed shots (immunizations).

As it nears:

Go over safety rules Help your child practice: saying his or her full name, street address and phone number taking a safe route to school and/or the bus stop what to do if stopped by a stranger. Note: Parents should never leave young children unsupervised to and from school.

Make a routine Try to: set a bedtime (young children need about 10-12 hours of sleep each night) plan regular times for meals and chores limit TV watching (for example, no more than 1 hour a day, or no more than 8 hours per week). Also, plan time each day to talk about school.

Create a positive attitude about school It's the key to success in school and in life!

Build Confidence It's natural to have doubts and fears about change. Talking about what your child can expect and his or her feelings will help you both feel more secure.

Make the move a smooth one Kindergarten means changes in daily routines You can take steps to reduce any stress you or your child may feel and add to the fun!