1. Measure and compare
K.MD.A.1–2 · Texas K.7
Try: Place two pencils with one end lined up. Ask which is longer and how they know.
Look for: Compare two ribbons or pencils of different lengths; child aligns endpoints and explains the comparison.
🧰 Kindergarten Additional Skills Evidence
11 short parent-guided checks for skills that a multiple-choice graduation test does not fully measure.
For adults: Observe the child without giving the answer. Mark a skill demonstrated only when completed independently. Use safe age-appropriate materials, supervise water and small objects, and practice again another day when needed. These are supplementary observations, not a standardized assessment or school certification.
Existing 12 Hands-On Checks →2. Capacity investigation
Texas K.7A · measurable attributes
Try: Offer two safe cups of different sizes. Ask which holds more water and how to check.
Look for: Child predicts, pours with adult supervision, and describes which cup holds more.
3. Sort and count
K.MD.B.3 · Texas K.8
Try: Give 12 safe objects in 2–3 types. Ask the child to sort and count each group.
Look for: Child chooses a category, sorts objects, counts each group, and compares totals.
4. Create a picture graph
Texas K.8A–C · data
Try: Sort favorite toy pictures into categories. Draw one symbol per item on paper.
Look for: Child creates the picture graph and answers which category has more or fewer.
5. Build flat shapes
K.G.B.5 · Texas K.6
Try: Use craft sticks or draw lines to build a triangle, square, and rectangle.
Look for: Child builds or draws each shape and explains its sides and corners.
6. Combine shapes
K.G.B.6 · Texas K.6
Try: Use two paper triangles or safe pattern blocks. Ask the child to make a larger shape.
Look for: Child combines pieces, names the result, and describes how the pieces fit.
7. Find flat faces on solids
K.G.A.3 · Texas K.6
Try: Show a box and a cylinder. Ask which flat shapes can be seen on their faces.
Look for: Child identifies a rectangular or square face on a box and circular faces on a cylinder.
8. Needs and wants
Texas K.9A
Try: Show pictures of water, food, toys, and a game. Ask what is needed and what is wanted.
Look for: Child distinguishes a need from a want and gives a reason.
9. How people earn money
Texas K.9B
Try: Discuss a person who works at a store, school, or clinic.
Look for: Child explains that people can earn money by working.
10. Skills for jobs
Texas K.9C
Try: Ask what skills a teacher, cook, or builder might need.
Look for: Child names a useful skill for a job and why it matters.
11. Money from gifts
Texas K.9D
Try: Tell a story about receiving birthday money and earning money from chores or work.
Look for: Child identifies money received as a gift versus money earned from work.