› first-grade-readinessFirst Grade Readiness | Waldorf Homeschoolers May 20, 1999 · Ask the child if they are ready to go on to first grade. Check the shape and nature of the head, ears, hands, in relationships to the rest of the body. How does the child run, jump, walk and carry himself? Using Barbara Meister Vitale’ 5 scheme (found in the book, Unicorns Are Real) check for visual, auditory and kinesthetic preferences.