School Readiness
This is NOT a checklist of what your child must be able to do before they start school as every child is an individual, but it gives an idea of the signs of readiness.
Co-ordination, fine and gross motor skills, and balance is necessary for formal learning.
The best way to develop these skills is to let your child have plenty of time playing outside.
• Hop on one foot
• Jump with feet together
• Skip
• Catch and throw a ball
• Walk forward on a beam or a log or a line on a court
• Climb stairs with alternating feet on each stair (not necessarily descend this way)
• Tie knots
• Button and zip their own clothes
Other ideas to consider:
• Not dependent on a cuddly toy or security item any longer
• Able to look after their own eating, drinking, washing, and toileting needs
• Able to join in with activities when offered
• Able to follow simple instructions and carry through a task
• Can concentrate on a chosen task for at least 10 minutes
• Speak clearly and fluently when they are relaxed