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Love Learning Through Play: A School Readiness Program To Inspire Learning

Writer's picture: Rochelle WhiteRochelle White

Updated: Jul 18, 2024

Starting school is a significant milestone in a child's life, and ensuring they are ready for this new adventure is crucial. For parents on the Gold Coast, Beelieve Paediatric Therapy is launching a school readiness program to support your child's development as they work towards entering school for the first time.



school readiness program

As parents, we strive for the best for our children, and entry into school should be no different. Every child is an individual who has had experiences that have shaped their growth and development so far - this means that every child starting school is running their own race. At the school gate you will find a huge wonderful mix of personalities, opinions and abilities - and we cherish and value every single one.



What is a School Readiness Program?

In starting school it is natural to feel some anxiety and nerves about if your child is ready - they might be feeling nervous themselves! So while we celebrate their intricacies and all of the little things that make them special, there are some things we can do to help set them up to enter school in the most positive way possible. This is where our school readiness program comes in - providing our clients with all of the necessary building blocks so that they feel confident as they enter their classroom on their very first day!



school readiness


What is School Readiness?

School readiness refers to the set of skills, knowledge, and behaviours that enable a child to participate and succeed in school. These include physical, cognitive, social, and emotional skills that are foundational for academic learning and social interaction.


We’ve already talked on this blog about the foundations of school readiness, and how you can work on these skills at home.


However sometimes you might feel pushed for time, or a bit overwhelmed at all of the activities and ideas for activities out there (anyone have an extremely full Pinterest board? No judgement - us too!), and that is where a school readiness program can really help.


schools readiness

Our 2024 school readiness program is running in Term 4 (with enrolments needing to be confirmed by the conclusion of Term 3, 2024), designed for children entering Prep in QLD in 2025. For 2024, we are excited to announce that this year we will be partnering with Upside Kids Physio and Health and Speech For Kids to bring the only PREP Readiness group that provides OT, Physio and Speech Pathology together in a comprehensive program to support up your child to start school. Please contact us for information about how to enrol (link to email address with subject query). Enrolments open the 8th of July and close 13th of September.


Why are School Readiness Skills Important?

School readiness skills are essential because they prepare children for the structured environment of a classroom, help them interact appropriately with peers and teachers, build a foundation for future academic success, and promote positive attitudes towards learning and school.


Of course, schools and teachers are equipped to support children who struggle with these skills. They have honestly seen it all and there is no need to feel embarrassed or nervous if you feel your child is having a hard time mastering any school readiness skills.



is my child ready for school

What are the Building Blocks Necessary to Develop School Readiness?


Self-regulation

Self-regulation is crucial for managing emotions and behaviour in different situations because it allows children to navigate the social and academic demands of school with confidence and resilience. This skill involves the ability to control one's emotions, thoughts, and behaviours in the face of temptations and impulses, which is essential for effective learning and social interaction.

When children develop self-regulation, they can handle frustration, stay focused on tasks, and adapt to changes in their environment. For instance, in a classroom setting, a child with strong self-regulation can wait patiently for their turn to speak, follow the teacher's instructions, and cope with any disappointments or setbacks, such as not being chosen for a desired activity.


Sensory processing


what is school readiness

Sensory processing helps children interpret and respond to sensory information from the environment by allowing them to take in and make sense of the sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and textures they encounter daily. This ability is critical for functioning effectively in various settings, particularly in a school environment where sensory stimuli are abundant and varied.



Receptive language

Receptive language, the ability to comprehend what others are saying, and expressive language, the ability to express thoughts and needs effectively, are foundational for communication. These two aspects of language development are critical for a child's overall ability to interact, learn, and function in a school environment.


Articulation

Articulation, or the clear pronunciation of words, is essential for being understood and effectively conveying messages. It involves the physical ability to move the tongue, lips, jaw, and other speech organs to produce sounds, syllables, and words. Articulation is a critical aspect of expressive language that significantly impacts a child's ability to communicate with others.


Executive Functioning Skills

Executive functioning skills, such as planning, organisation, and problem-solving, are crucial for completing tasks efficiently and effectively. These skills enable children to manage their thoughts, actions, and emotions to achieve goals. They are foundational for academic success and everyday functioning.


Emotional development

Emotional development refers to the process by which children learn to identify, express, and manage their emotions. This includes understanding complex feelings, developing empathy, forming healthy relationships, and building self-esteem. Emotional development is a gradual process that evolves as children grow and interact with their environment. It’s not something we expect children to simply gain overnight - this skill is a constant rollercoaster of learning, all the way into (and throughout) adulthood!


school readiness checklist

Social skills

Social skills are essential for interacting appropriately with others and navigating various social situations effectively. These skills enable children to develop and maintain positive relationships, communicate effectively, and collaborate with peers and adults. Social skills play a crucial role in both academic and personal success, as they influence how children interact with classmates, teachers, family members, and other individuals in their lives.

Planning and Sequencing

Planning and sequencing are fundamental cognitive processes that allow children to organise their thoughts and actions in a logical order to complete tasks effectively. These skills are essential for academic success, daily routines, and navigating various activities in both structured and unstructured settings.



What Can Be Done to Improve School Readiness Skills?


how to know if your child is ready for school