A kindergarten readiness checklist gives families a way to prepare without scrambling the night before, covering everything from tying shoes to talking about feelings. What a kindergarten readiness checklist actually coversA useful kindergarten readiness checklist focuses on skills a child can practice at home, not academics. Every kindergarten readiness checklist should include practicing the morning routine before school starts. Home is the best place to practice the skills on a kindergarten readiness checklist. Simple activities that help children practice following directions, classroom-style routines and asking for help can build skills they will use in kindergarten.