Start early. Build calm routines, practise independence (toileting, handwashing, opening lunchboxes), read daily, and rehearse the drop-off. Use the 6-week countdown and checklists below to make the first week smooth for everyone.
What “school readiness” really means
School readiness isn’t about reading novels at five. It’s a blend of skills:
Social–emotional: sharing, turn-taking, naming feelings, asking for help
Language & early literacy: listening, following instructions, enjoying stories
Early maths: counting to 10+, sorting, simple patterns and shapes
Fine & gross motor: pencil grip, cutting safely, running/jumping/balancing
Independence: toileting, dressing, eating neatly, tidying up
Tip: children develop at different paces. Focus on steady practice and confidence, not perfection.
A simple 6-week countdown (do what fits your family)
Week 6: Set the scene
Drive/walk past the school; talk about teachers, friends, play areas.
Start a predictable bedtime/wake-up schedule (aim for 10–12 hours’ sleep).
Week 5: Build independence
Practise toileting and handwashing timing.
Rehearse opening/closing lunchboxes, zips, shoes (Velcro for the win).
Week 4: Story time = learning time
Read aloud 15 minutes daily; play rhyming and sound games.
Count objects in real life (stairs, apples), name shapes and colours.
Week 3: Practice the morning
Do a dress–breakfast–pack–out-the-door drill.
Label everything. Try the school route at actual travel time.
Week 2: Social confidence
Arrange a short playdate or playground visit.
Role-play classroom routines: raising a hand, asking for help.
Week 1: Make it real
Attend orientation if offered.
Pack the bag together, prep outfits, create a good-bye ritual (hug–phrase–wave).
Routines that calm mornings (and brains)
Sleep: consistent lights-out and wake time (weekends too, mostly).
Get-ready station: shoes, hat, jersey, bag, lunchbox live in one spot.
Visual schedule: picture cards for “brush teeth, get dressed, breakfast, bag.”
Buffer time: aim to arrive 10–15 minutes early the first week.
Independence skills to practise
Toileting without help + proper handwash (20 seconds).
Opening snacks, bottles and lunchboxes.
Putting on a jersey, tying/fastening shoes (Velcro if laces are tricky).
Packing away toys, throwing away litter, wiping small spills.
Saying: “Please can you help me?” to a trusted adult.
Language, literacy & early maths (through play)
Read aloud daily; talk about pictures, predict what’s next.
Listening games: “Simon Says,” two-step instructions (“hang your bag then sit”).
Sound play: first sounds (c-c-cat), clapping syllables (win-ter).
Counting & sorting: set the table (forks/spoons), sort socks by colour/size.
Fine-motor fun: playdough, pegboards, drawing, safe cutting along thick lines.
Social–emotional readiness
Name feelings (“nervous”, “excited”) and what to do with them: belly breaths, “squeeze the ball,” or “ask the teacher.”
Practise sharing and turn-taking with simple board games.
Create a worry plan: who to speak to if you’re sad, hungry, or need the toilet.
Health, safety & admin
Confirm immunisation records and allergy/medical info with the school.
Sun-safe habits: hat + sunscreen in the bag.
Clear device/phone policy (if any) and how the school manages photos.
Emergency contacts up to date; teach your child name + guardian’s name.
Logistics that make life easier
Uniform & shoes: comfortable, easy to manage; label every item.
Stationery list: buy early; keep spares at home.
Transport/aftercare: practise pick-up points and passwords.
Meals: simple, familiar foods; water bottle your child can open/refill.
First-day drop-off game plan
Arrive a bit early; find the classroom calmly.
Hand over to the teacher, short and confident good-bye (ritual phrase).
Avoid “just one more hug”—it restarts the separation. Trust the team.
Celebrate the pickup with a small ritual (photo, favourite snack, playground stop).
Red flags (ask the teacher for guidance if you notice these)
Extreme distress that doesn’t ease after the first few weeks
Consistent toileting difficulties at school
Persistent trouble following simple instructions or interacting with peers
Fine-motor challenges that make everyday tasks very hard
Early conversations open doors to support strategies—you’re a team.
School-ready checklists
Child skills checklist
Uses the toilet and washes hands independently
Opens lunchbox, bottle and snack packets
Follows 2–3 step instructions
Shares, takes turns, asks for help
Recognises own name on a label
Can put on a jersey/hat and manage bag
Home & admin checklist
Uniform and shoes labelled
Stationery/aftercare/transport confirmed
Allergy/medical info shared with school
Bedtime/wake-up routine set
Good-bye ritual agreed and practised
First-week checklist
Leave a comfort object if allowed (photo, keyring)
Early arrival window planned
Healthy snacks + full water bottle
Pick-up plan and backup contact rehearsed
Celebrate small wins each day 🎉
Frequently Asked Questions
My child cries at drop-off—what should I do?
Keep the good-bye short and predictable; hand over to the teacher and go. Ask for a mid-morning update to reassure you. Most children settle within minutes.
Should my child be reading before Grade 1?
No. Focus on listening, vocabulary, sound play and a love of stories. Formal reading instruction happens at school.
We speak another home language. Will that be a problem?
Bilingualism is an asset. Read/tell stories in your strongest language, and ask the school how they support language-of-learning transitions.
What if my child isn’t toilet-independent yet?
Talk to the school early. Create a practice routine at home and agree on a discreet support plan for the classroom.
How much homework should we expect?
In early years, expect minimal homework—mostly reading together and simple, playful tasks.