Sending your child to daycare was a big step for you and your family. Thank you for trusting The Owl and The Pussycat Preschool with these precious early learning years. Now your little one is approaching 5 years old, and a new transition is on the horizon: primary school! It’s become a hot topic and big business in recent years; is my child ready to start school? In previous generations the trend was for children to start as early as possible. In recent years, many studies have explored the benefits of extending children’s early childhood, play-based education, or giving them a “bonus year” at preschool. Many promote that the benefits of further cognitive and social development better prepare young learners for the expectations of the school environment. Conversely, sending a child too early can potentially negatively impact their relationship to learning and school, as it may be more difficult or confusing for them socially, academically or physically than compared to their older classmates. In Australia, children are legally required to begin school the year of their sixth birthday. However, if their birthday is on or before July 31st, you have the option of sending them at the beginning of the year they turn five. When your child starts school is an individual decision. No child is the same. No family situation is the same. But remember, you do not need to make this decision alone. From the moment your child enters the preschool room, you can be asking their educators to keep an eye on key milestones and signs for school readiness. These are not limited to, but may include:
  • Their social interactions and friendship circles. Are they able to recognise social cues and navigate conflict in the classroom or playground?
  • Their ability to self-regulate. For example, know when they feel hot or cold and dress accordingly, or recognising when they need the bathroom. Can they articulate how they are feeling and regulate their own emotions without prompting?
  • Their fine and gross motor skills. Can they independently open and close their lunch box, zip up a jacket, or are they beginning to want to tie their own shoelaces? Or can they sit at a desk to work, cut with scissors or throw and catch a ball?
  • Their language Can they make themselves understood by their peers and teachers, or follow multiple step instructions?
Communication is key. Rather than wait until the end of the year, regularly touch base with your child’s preschool teachers and educators on their personal progress and development. Include your child’s regular carers, babysitters, health professionals, and your local primary school in these discussions and ask how you can be fostering and partnering together toward a smooth transition to school. Some ways you can help:
  • Engage in diverse social interactions and outings as a family. Have regular playdates, visit your local library or new playgrounds and encourage your child to engage with other children there. Visiting new places and people as a family can encourage resilience, social skills and openness to change.
  • Self-regulation: Recognise cues and verbalise signs in your child of them being hungry, thirsty, hot or cold, or needing the toilet. Then your child can begin to identify and action these needs independently. They should also routinely partake in indoor and outdoor activities to become comfortable with differing environments and sensory experiences while harnessing the power of imaginative play.
  • For fine and gross motor skills, promote independence in your child. Have them practise opening containers, snack packets, or unzipping their jacket. Make sure they can open and close their bag and turn a tap on and off to wash their hands. Taking care of themselves and their belongings are great skills for school.
Throw and catch a ball together and promote risky play at the park – such as climbing, swinging or balancing – using built and natural resources.
  • Language: Encourage your child to make their needs known, asking and answering simple questions. Sing familiar songs and rhymes. Regularly read together! Have your child practise using various tools to draw and make marks, such as crayons, paints, pencils and even sticks in the dirt or fingers in the sand. It helps them exercise and develop their communication skills.
Remember, primary school teachers are trained to work with your child regardless of their age or level of development. Also, children develop at various rates and learn skills in different ways. Some 5-year-olds are very ready for school. Others may progress in some areas yet experience slower growth in others. Some, clearly, are still on the way to developing the skills required for school. Your school will respond to the needs, learning styles and rates of progress of individual students. The Owl and the Pussycat Preschool is here to support your child’s learning and development. We have dedicated educators, teachers and proven resources to teach and equip your little one with the skills they need to be ready for school. Learn more about our centre by booking a tour today. References and Resources: University of NSW Study, https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/starting-school-later-is-better-for-children-landmark-study-shows/obxaibpwp Department of Education, https://education.nsw.gov.au/schooling/parents-and-carers/going-to-school/primary-schools/starting-school