Preparing Children for Starting School
To help your child be ready for starting school. Encourage them to learn the following skills so they are able to:
- speak to an adult and know when to ask for help
- understand the word 'stop' and that this might be used to prevent danger
- understand the word 'no' and the boundaries it sets
- recognise their own name including familiar signs and logos
- talk in full sentences and have a good, detailed vocabulary
- be aware of other children - play and form friendships
- sit still and listen when asked and also be able to take turns and share
- be toilet trained and be able to visit the toilet unaided
- take their coat and shoes on and off, dress and undress for PE with minimal adult support
- open and enjoy a book both independently and with an adult
- recognise numbers and take part in counting games
- hold a pencil properly to make marks and begin to draw
- eat a meal or snack unaided, identify and enjoy a range of healthy foods.
