As the summer holidays wind down, many families start preparing for the transition back to school. While academic skills like learning the ABCs or counting are important, true school readiness involves so much more. A child’s ability to thrive in a classroom depends on a combination of independence, emotional resilience, motor coordination, communication, and organisational skills.

Here are some practical tips to help your child prepare for the year ahead.

1. Encourage Independence

Starting school means your child will need to handle many daily tasks on their own. You can support their independence in key areas, including:

Asking for Help: Teach your child to confidently ask for assistance when needed. Model phrases like, “I need help, please,” and praise them when they use this skill. Normalise asking for help by showing them that even adults do it sometimes—it’s a sign of strength, not weakness.
Toileting: Ensure your child can recognise when they need to use the toilet and handle the steps independently, from undressing to wiping and washing hands. Tools like visual schedules and a “try first” approach can empower them to take charge.
Lunch Time: Practice opening lunchboxes, food wrappers, and drink bottles at home. Let them rehearse using their school lunchbox and encourage their involvement in packing it. This builds confidence and ensures they can access their food independently during the school day.
Dressing: Teach your child how to put on and remove layers, such as jumpers or jackets, based on the weather. Start with undressing, which is often easier, and gradually work on dressing skills.

2. Build Emotional and Social Skills

Navigating the social aspects of school can be daunting. Helping your child develop emotional and social skills will set them up for success:

Expressing Emotions: Encourage your child to talk about their feelings and validate their emotions. Role-play situations to help them understand how to express themselves appropriately and resolve conflicts.
Playing and Sharing: Arrange playdates or group activities where your child can practice turn-taking, sharing, and collaborative play.

3. Fine-Tune Motor Skills

Fine and gross motor skills are vital for classroom tasks and play. Support your child by incorporating fun activities into your daily routine:

Fine Motor Skills: Activities like colouring, cutting, building with LEGO, or playing with play-dough strengthen hand muscles and improve coordination. These skills are essential for writing, using scissors, and managing school supplies.
Gross Motor Skills: Encourage activities like climbing, running, or balancing to improve overall coordination and core strength, which are foundational for classroom posture and sustained attention.

“True school readiness goes beyond ABCs—it’s about nurturing independence, emotional resilience, and the skills to thrive in the classroom.”

4. Create a Predictable Routine

The shift from holiday mode to school schedules can be challenging. Start easing your child into a structured routine a few weeks before school starts:

Gradually adjust bedtime and wake-up times to align with school hours.
Establish routines for meals, play, and quiet time to create predictability.
Practice getting ready in the morning, including dressing and packing a bag, to minimise stress on school mornings.

5. Support Sensory Needs

For children with sensory sensitivities, the school environment can feel overwhelming. Work with your child to develop strategies for managing sensory challenges:

Create a “sensory toolkit” with items like noise-cancelling headphones, fidget toys, or stress balls.
Practice calming techniques, such as deep breathing or mindfulness exercises, to help them self-regulate.
Discuss any specific sensory needs with their teacher to ensure appropriate accommodations are in place.

Every Child Develops at Their Own Pace

Preparing for school is about more than ticking off a checklist—it’s about meeting your child where they are and supporting their individual journey. If you feel your child might need extra help with independence, emotional regulation, motor skills, or sensory challenges, consulting with an occupational therapist can provide valuable insights and strategies tailored to their needs.

We’re here to help families navigate the transition to school with confidence.

A Parent’s Guide: School Readiness – More Than ABCs