Have you enrolled your child into Prep for 2023?
Primary School is where children continue to learn independence, literacy, maths, socials skills, reading, writing and so much more. Starting school is a major milestone in the life of a child. Children are seen to be ready for school when they have reached the chronological age for entry as established by the state. To start primary school in Victoria, children need to turn five years of age by 30 April of the year that they start school. Children must be at school in the year that they turn six years of age – this is the compulsory school starting age. Exceptions to this can be made.
What is school readiness?
‘Readiness is what we call the things that assist children to be successful at school. Readiness is not an event that happens at a certain time, it is a process that every child moves through at their own pace’.
When determining school readiness, families and educators may like to use the following indicators as guidelines. it is optimal if a child is achieving some skills out of each category.
Independence / Life skills:
- Copes with a small amount of supervision in a variety of situations
- Toilets and dresses themselves independently
- Unpacks their lunchbox and uses a drink bottle
- Copes with a structured environment
Physical skills
- Appropriately uses tools such as pencils, crayons, textas and scissors
- Balances, runs, jumps
- Uses equipment such as climbing apparatus
Social skills
- Positively approaches other children and will ask for help if required
- Participates in play (individual and groups)
- Shows interest in others and forms friendships
- Expresses emotions and deals with conflict appropriately
- Expresses needs and wants appropriately
- Takes turns in games / activities
- Shares toys and equipment
- Follows some directions and understands some rules
Cognitive / Thinking skills
- Shows natural curiosity and interest in learning new things
- Has confidence in learning
- Is interested in solving problems
Language Development
- Uses language (verbal or non-verbal) to ask questions and communicate their thoughts and ideas
- Listens to others
During Term 4, our Kindergarten children will be guided, supported and encouraged to further enhance the above skills, if you have questions /concerns about your child’s school readiness, speak to your child’s kindergarten teacher.
For more information we recommend visiting Kidspot.
