6 Tips for School Readiness with Resources and Play-based Activities
Practical Tips to Prepare Your Child for School
As school approaches, it's important to make your child's transition as smooth and exciting as possible. As an occupational therapist, I have the privilege of helping families each year prepare for this important time. Putting in some thoughtful effort in the days leading up to school can truly make a significant difference in how children adjust to their new routines and environment. Small adjustments now can set the stage for a positive and successful school year ahead. Try these school readiness tips:
1. Visual Schedules: Create Predictability
Starting school can bring many changes, so introducing a visual schedule is a great way to provide structure and predictability. I like to use two strips of Velcro: one for pictures of activities and the other for a spot where your child can move each picture across once a task is completed. This simple system helps with emotional regulation and makes transitions throughout the day much smoother.
2. Visual Timer: Make Time Management Fun
A visual timer, like the Time Timer, can be an excellent tool for teaching your child about time and routines. Use it to show how much time they have to complete tasks like getting dressed or brushing their teeth. You can also use it to help them transition, for example, showing that in 5 minutes, it will be time to leave for school. It makes time a visual and interactive experience that kids can understand and enjoy!
3. Set Up a Drop Zone: Encourage Independence
Creating a drop zone at home for bags, shoes, and school materials is a great way to promote independence and organisation. I recommend placing this zone near the entryway, where it's easy to spot as they come home. Using shelves or buckets ensures each item has a designated place, and it turns unpacking and packing into a fun and manageable routine!
4. Sleep Schedule: Gradually Adjust Bedtimes
A good night’s sleep is essential for school success. Gradually adjust your child’s bedtime and wake-up time to match the school schedule. Start by moving their sleep times 10 minutes earlier each day to make the transition smoother. This simple strategy helps them wake up feeling refreshed and ready to take on the day!
5. Practice Runs: Rehearse the Routine
Practice makes perfect, so it’s a great idea to do some school routine practice runs! Have your child try on their uniform, put on their shoes, and practice packing and unpacking their school bag. You can even take a walk or drive to school so they can get familiar with the morning routine. These fun practice sessions will build confidence and help reduce first-day reduce anxiety on the first day.
6. Child-Sized Table: Support Tabletop Skills
A child-sized table and chair (like the one pictured below from IKEA) can be incredibly helpful for developing the skills needed for school. Alternatively, try using a Tripp Trapp chair or similar to position your child at the regular dining table for tabletop activities. This helps kids practice tasks like colouring, writing, and building, key skills for school success. I personally like the Tripp Trapp chair as it means your child can be positioned with you or the rest of the family for mealtimes in addition to tabletop activities, which has additional benefits of engagement, connection and modelling.
I hope these tips help your family get a head start this school year. If you're looking for more ideas and activities to support your child's development, check out my Early Years Printable Activity Book, featuring play-based learning and developmentally appropriate learning resources for preschool aged children around 2 years old to 5 years old.
