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We are Ready for School

As tamariki / children are nearing school age, we often have conversations with parents concerned about school readiness.

Starting school is a big milestone for every child and their family/whānau. As parents, we all strive to ensure our little ones are well-prepared, but it’s normal to have a few concerns or questions along the way. You might find yourself wondering:
  • Is my child learning at the right pace?
  • Do they have the skills, knowledge and capabilities for school?
  • Are they ready for the demands of formal education?
  • What about reading, writing and mathematics?
These questions are part of the journey and addressing them can help both you and your child feel confident and excited about this new chapter.

Supporting School Readiness at Home

While academic skills like reading and writing are important, they are typically taught at school. Research tells us that readiness for kura / school refers to a combination of cognitive, physical, social and emotional development and having a positive learner identity. Let’s explore these.

Cognitive Readiness

  • Good communication skills: being able to express their thoughts, feelings and ideas as well as listen to others.
  • Problem Solving: Able to think through simple problems and find possible solutions.
  • Curiosity and Questioning: Being interested in learning and being able to ask questions that enhance learning opportunities.
  • Concentration: Being able to focus for a reasonable amount of time.
  • Basic Literacy and Numeracy: Understanding that letters and numbers have meaning and purpose. Recognising some letters and numbers and perhaps being able to recognise / write their name.
  • Following Instructions: Able to follow multi-step instructions.

Physical Readiness

  • Fine Motor Skills: Being able to manipulate small objects such as holding a pencil, use scissors etc.
  • Gross Motor Skills: Being able to run, jump, hop.
  • Self-Care Skills: Being able to dress themselves, manage their lunchbox and go to the bathroom independently.

Social and Emotional Readiness

  • Interacting with Peers: Being able to play, share, take turns and resolve minor disagreements.
  • Express Themselves: Communicate their needs and feelings.
  • Manage Emotions: Able to manage emotions like frustration, disappointment and excitement.
  • Resilience: Able to cope with challenges / setbacks and see them as part of learning opportunities.

Positive Learner Identity

Having a positive learner identity is perhaps the most important condition for a successful transition to school and on-going lifelong learning. This refers to:
  • Positive self-image of themselves as a capable and competent learner.
  • Enthusiasm and willingness to engage in experiences and learning opportunities.

Play-based experiences, thoughtfully crafted and woven into a child’s day, lay the foundation for self-care, social confidence, and a love of learning. When we provide meaningful moments of play, we’re not just filling time; we’re setting the stage for children to explore, experiment, and grow into resilient, capable learners.

Diverse Learners

Preparing for kura / school for diverse learners (individuals who exhibit differences in learning styles and abilities) may require additional planning focused on individual needs. An effective transition will involve open communication (between our kaiako, their whānau and kura kaiako) to develop a shared understanding of strategies for the individual learning style and specific needs of the child. Key strategies for successful transition to school include:
  • Visiting prospective schools early
  • Ensuring an inclusive culture and environment
  • Value is placed on relationships
  • There is focus on providing an environment where all tamariki can thrive and reach their full potential.

If appropriate, engaging with external agencies.

Your partner in play and learning

Preparing your child for kura / school begins from their earliest days. Every moment is a learning opportunity and as whānau, you play a vital role in this adventure. Your child’s kaiako (teacher) is an eager partner with you, ready to chat about your child’s learning journey and support you both every step of the way. Together, we can lay the foundation for a confident, curious, and capable learner!

Written by Karyn Charles – National Curriculum Lead at Educare Early Learning Centres

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