Being ready for school is not only about children. It involves families, early environments, schools, and communities. Children are not innately ready or unready for school—their development is shaped by interactions with their surroundings.

Parents must also prepare themselves mentally for this milestone. Education psychologist Brenda van Rooyen advises: "Don't suffocate your child. Start by leaving the child with a trusted friend, the grandparents, or home carer for short periods and gradually increase the time. This helps both parent and child adjust to the separation."

A child with good mental and emotional health can approach school life with confidence. Building self-esteem early on is vital for independence.

Criteria for School Readiness

Most children benefit from a reception year before starting formal schooling. Occupational therapist Lourdes Bruwer notes that Grade R is invaluable for developing self-confidence, emotional separation, and social skills.

Grade 1 teacher Lisa Kaplan explains that age is not the main factor in determining school readiness. Grade R teachers typically recommend school entry based on a child’s skills, and children usually undergo tests at the end of the Grade R year to assist with this decision.

Brenda van Rooyen outlined the following criteria for socio-emotional school readiness:

• Independence: Separating from parents without extreme anxiety and working independently.
• Social skills: Interacting well with peers and forming age-appropriate relationships.
• Self-regulation: Managing emotions, sitting at a desk for short periods, and handling anger or excitement.
• Ability to follow instructions.

Physical Readiness

Bruwer adds physical criteria: gross motor skills like balancing on a beam, jumping with two feet, and making star jumps, along with fine motor skills such as holding a pencil and cutting with scissors. A child should also have developed perceptual skills, like recognising shapes and colours and counting from 1 to 50.

Santie Smit, an occupational therapist, emphasises the importance of auditory processing skills for school readiness, such as remembering sequences of instructions and recognising alphabet sounds. Children with phonemic awareness begin reading more easily.

Madeleine Siddle, Senior Curriculum Advisor for the Foundation Phase/ECD, notes additional skills like writing their name, knowing their age and address, speaking clearly in full sentences, and basic maths abilities.

Preparing a Child for School

To build a solid foundation for school, limit screen time and encourage activities that foster independence. Kaplan suggests:

• Instilling responsibility: Encourage children to make their own beds, pack lunch, and carry their own school bags.
• Learning through experiences: Take them to places like zoos and botanical gardens, and involve them in family activities.
• Engagement in daily tasks: Have them help weigh groceries or recognise numbers on car registration plates.

Santie Smit recommends activities like memory games, dot-to-dot puzzles, and cutting various textures to support physical and cognitive development.

The Big Day

When the first day of school arrives, say a calm goodbye and place your child’s hand in the teacher’s hand. GPs reassure that children who have attended crèches often develop immunity to common illnesses, even if they experience a few sicknesses early on.

Enhancing the School Experience

Once school begins, parents can help their children adapt by establishing a routine, such as scheduled homework time and regular bedtimes. Brenda van Rooyen encourages parents to support their child’s learning process and provide emotional support when needed.

Siddle advises parents to allow children to express their feelings and discuss potential solutions to problems. Setting clear rules and maintaining consistent discipline is crucial for helping children adjust to school structure.

In the first term, children may struggle with the new routine. Kaplan recommends that parents offer praise and support as necessary to help their child through this adjustment.

Conclusion

Research shows that delaying school entry unnecessarily does not generally benefit children. As a parent, ensure that your child receives the necessary stimulation, routine, discipline, and love to prepare for this important phase. Be proactive, involved, and supportive of your child’s journey into school life.

For more articles on childhood development, visit PlanetParent.

Total Words: 709

---

Social Media Post

Is My Child Ready for School?
Explore the key factors in determining school readiness and how parents can prepare their children for this exciting milestone.

#SchoolReadiness #ChildDevelopment #EarlyChildhood #Education #pressrelease #AfricaNewsroom #bizcommunity #publicrelations #africa #southernafrica #southafrica