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School Readiness
What is School Readiness and Why is it Important?
What is School Readiness and Why is it Important?
“School readiness is a measure of the knowledge, skills and behaviours that enable children to participate and succeed in school. Parents sometimes think that school readiness means being able to read, write and do basic maths before starting school. But this isn’t the case! School readiness is about the development of the whole child – their social and emotional skills, physical skills, communication skills and cognitive skills. Children cannot thrive at school if they haven’t developed the skills to manage things like getting along with other children, following instructions, and communicating their needs.” (https://www.learningpotential.gov.au)
At Puss In Boots Morningside Child Care Centre, we believe school readiness in children includes many different skills and behaviours, such as:
- Emotional maturity – Can your child cope and express their emotions or self-regulate? Can your child be at ease with small and large groups? Can your child focus on tasks and follow directions from their educators?
- Social Skills – Can your child play with other children, show appropriate manners and be assertive when required?
- Language Skills – Can your child talk and listen to other adults and children? Can your child communicate clearly, understand stories and start to identify some letters and sounds?
- Cognitive Skills – Is your child able to wait and take turns, begins to have a sense of numbers and basic thinking skills?
- Physical Health and Coordination – Is your child generally healthy? Is your child able to manipulate writing tools and able to run, jump, climb, and play ball?
- Independence – Is your child able to manage their basic needs (going to the toilet, dressing up, unwrapping their lunch and looking after their belongings)?
We incorporate all the interactions, experiences, activities, routines and events, planned and unplanned, that occur in a schooling environment and teach these to the children in our care. This can include anything from reading and writing, simple mathematics to putting their hands up before asking a question, opening their lunch box, going to the bathroom independently and participating in daily activities.
Children who start school too early or haven’t developed this set of basics skills can quickly find themselves playing ‘catch up’ compared to their classmates. They may begin to dislike school, dislike learning or even dislike their teacher. In some cases, children may also experience social isolation or become overwhelmed and socially uncomfortable.
Does it matter if children repeat their first year of school?
There is a feeling that repeating their first year at school is no big deal. Kathy Walker, author and early childhood professional, disagrees.
“Why would you start your child at school knowing that there is a good chance they will need to repeat that year?” she asks. “Once you are on the conveyor belt of the school system, it becomes much harder for everyone to make the decision for the child to repeat. Don’t send a child to school already thinking they can repeat if they have to. You want the first year of school to be exciting and successful, not just one where the child attempts to ‘cope’ and then has to do it all again.”
To avoid your child becoming stressed or anxious, it is essential that they are exposed to a school readiness program that makes the transition to big school seamless and that is our main priority at Puss In Boots to see your child succeed in school and life.
Please contact us to find out more about Puss In Boots School Readiness program.