25/03/2024
School readiness?
Is my child ready for school?
We understand the pressure parents and carers might feel as the thought of children starting school looms ever closer. It may feel daunting, with a societal push to get them ready quicker, faster sooner. To formally write their names. But what does ‘school readiness mean?’
Did you know focusing on ‘handwriting’ and getting children to formally practice writing their name, is not necessary in preparation for school!
It won’t matter if a child can recite the alphabet, count to 100 or write their name on the first day of school.
It won’t matter if they know all their letters and you have primed children to sound them out !
Consider instead …..
▪️Ability to make friends, confident to separate from you, the main carer will make their first day much easier. Focus on Happiness not handwriting 🙏🏼
▪️Can your child communicate their needs.
▪️Can they open their lunch box independently ? Get their shoes and coat on and off independently ?
▪️Get into their snacks, access their drink bottle without asking for help?
Let’s remember, your child won’t know their new teacher ( maybe they’ve only met them on a couple of brief occasions )
So a child maybe nervous or reluctant to ask for help!
So forming letters on a page and having the ability to write their name isn’t going to assist them as they navigate through the school day .
Readiness for school is not academics, it’s a competence, confidence and independence within a child.
Let’s empower children with the skills they WILL need! To be as independent as possible and have the ability to make FRIENDS ! ❤️
If your child already goes to a nursery or a childminder this is what the educator Is helping with all this time. 🙌🏼
Maybe as a parent you’ve secretly thought “They are just playing, why aren’t they formally teaching my child anything ?”
Omg! This is the best thing they could of ever done for your child 🙌🏼
Play is the brains favourite way of learning, and Early Years actually goes on until the END of reception year !
So actually your child needs to KEEP on PLAYING. ( even after reception year)
Your child’s Early Childhood setting is doing an incredible job to prepare your child for school ! 🙌🏼🏆
Children don’t need ‘school readiness’
Schools need ‘new children readiness.’
Finally, Did you know starting school in other countries doesn’t begin until a child is 7 and is actually far more beneficial! 🙌🏼
So let’s relax, enjoy the Easter break and the upcoming Summer term ahead.
Share this post to anyone who might need to hear these reassuring words ♥️
Here’s some blogs you might like ⬇️ and scroll back on this weeks posts all about readiness for school
* GREAT NEWS 5 part ‘school readiness’ PDF magazine series will be available to download after EASTER 🙌🏼🎉 FOLLOW * LIKE * SHARE ❤️
