Starting school is a big milestone—for children and for parents. It’s very common for
parents and carers to wonder whether their child is ‘ready’ for kindy. This worry is completely understandable. But it can be reassuring to know that schools and teachers are very experienced in supporting children through this transition.
It’s important to remember that children don’t need to be reading or writing when they start school. Educators expect children to arrive with a wide range of skills and experiences. Research shows that social and emotional adjustment is more important than academic skills in the early weeks of school. Those first few weeks (and sometimes months) are a time of adjustment, and that’s okay. You might notice tears at drop-off, extra tiredness, or changes in behaviour as your child (and your family) settle into new routines. It’s all part of the journey!
If you’re wondering how to help your child feel more confident about starting kindy, here are five practical and supportive ways to prepare.
For many children, kindy is the first time they’re expected to manage parts of their day independently. Simple self-care tasks can feel surprisingly difficult at first. At home, you can gently encourage independence by practising things like using the toilet, washing hands, opening lunch containers, putting on shoes, zipping up jackets, and packing away toys independently.
It’s important to remember that teachers don’t expect children to be able to do all of these things perfectly. What they’re really looking for is a willingness to try and the confidence to ask for help when it’s needed.
Kindy is a very social environment, and learning how to get along with others is a big part of school readiness. One of the best ways to support this is through play. Giving your child opportunities to play with other children helps them practise sharing, taking turns, and managing small disagreements.
These everyday play experiences also help children learn how to cope with big feelings like excitement, frustration, or disappointment. They give adults a chance to model calm behaviour, name emotions, and talk through problems together, helping children build emotional awareness, problem solving skills and resilience.
Children often feel more settled when their days are predictable. In the weeks leading up to kindy, it can be helpful to slowly introduce routines that reflect the school day. This might include regular morning routines and set meal times using a school lunchbox.
Practising getting dressed, eating breakfast, and leaving the house at a similar time each day can make those early school mornings feel less stressful. Familiar routines help children feel safe and can ease the transition into school life.
Kindergarten classrooms are dynamic places, and learning activities are often more structured than children may be used to. Being able to listen and follow simple instructions helps children feel confident and engaged in the classroom.
You can practise this at home by giving short, clear instructions that involve one or two steps, such as, “Please put your shoes away and wash your hands.” Games like Simon Says are a fun and playful way to build listening skills while spending time together.
Every child’s transition to school looks different. Some children settle quickly, while others need more time. By focusing on independence, emotional wellbeing, predictable routines, and positive expectations, you’re giving your child a strong foundation for a happy and confident start to kindy.
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