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Most researchers agree that a successful start to learning to read and write will set children up for school success. That's where online reading programs like Reading Eggs can make a real difference at home. You can try it out for free here.
Let's take a look at the physical, emotional and social skills which help children prepare for school in the best way possible.
Reading Eggs makes learning to read easy and fun for children aged 2–13. Prepare your child for school with hundreds of one‑on‑one lessons, over 3000 e‑books to choose from and exciting rewards to help keep your child motivated to learn. Register for your free trial today and see how your child’s reading can improve in just weeks!
These skills are important for performing everyday skills like doing up buttons, opening lunch boxes and using pencils and scissors. A fun way to build these skills is by playing with play‑dough and finger painting.
These skills enable your child to get ready for running, skipping and navigating the playground (e.g. climbing). Great games that build these skills are Hop Scotch and Simon Says. You can also practise catching large balls or balloons and gradually move to smaller sizes.
Talk to your child about dealing with disappointment and frustration. Avoid the temptation to run to their rescue every time they struggle to put on their shoes or feed themselves.
Encourage your child to step outside of their comfort zone and be sure to exhibit the same behaviour. This could mean introducing yourself to new people, taking on more difficult puzzles and trying new foods.
Teach your child that making mistakes is a natural part of life and an essential part of self‑improvement. Praise them for making an effort, but use praise sparingly so that it doesn't lose it effect.
Encourage your child to communicate their needs and talk about feelings. Encourage full sentences such as “I am feeling hungry”, “Can I have some water please?” and “My arm hurts”.
Encourage your child to solve their own problems and discuss potential solutions together. A good idea is to use a Catastrophe Scale so your child can assess how serious their problem is, and whether or not they need help.
If you have multiple children, assign projects where they can work together by sharing material (e.g. arts and craft). Teach your child to share their toys with other children and to take turns.
Choose age‑appropriate board games, or play games like Simon Says. Even though there will only be one winner, emphasize the fact that everyone is having fun, spending time together, and trying their best.
Preparing your child for school means teaching your child resilience, confidence and the ability to share and play fair with others. Help them get ready with a Free Trial of Reading Eggs.
Read stories that show how characters overcoming social conflicts. Talk together about these stories and try to relate them to real‑life situations. You can also role-play situations that demonstrate conflict resolution or use hand puppets.
Starting a daily routine is an important part of getting ready for school. Set a routine by waking up at the same time each morning and having regular reading time in the evenings.
Help your child follow two‑part instructions, such as “Put the spoons and forks on the table”, and gradually move up to three‑part instructions such as “Put your clothes, socks and toys away”.
If you know other families with children starting school at the same time, organize play dates so your child can get to know some of their peers. This is also a great opportunity to put early social skills into action.
Leave your child with trusted supervision while you go out shopping or run errands. Always let them know you'll be coming back. You can gradually increase the time away as they become more confident.
The overarching skill required for getting ready for school is independence. Always look out for opportunities to let your child explore and play on their own (under safe supervision), and remember that social and emotional skills that build independence need to be explicitly taught – they are not learned through osmosis.
Reading Eggs makes learning to read easy and fun for children aged 2–13. Prepare your child for school with hundreds of one‑on‑one lessons, over 3000 e‑books to choose from and exciting rewards to help keep your child motivated to learn. Register for your free trial today and see how your child’s reading can improve in just weeks!