Starting BIG school is such an exciting milestone for children— and for parents too! As your little one prepares to take their first big step into school life, you might find yourself wondering, “Is my child ready for school?” Let’s discover school readiness for 4-5 year olds!
The great news is that being “school ready” isn’t about being able to read, write, or count to 100. It’s about helping your child feel confident, curious, and comfortable in a learning environment.
Let’s explore what school readiness for 4-5 year-olds really looks like and some simple ways you can support them at home.
1. Social and Emotional Readiness
Children who are ready for school can:
- Separate from parents or carers with growing confidence
- Take turns, share, and play alongside others
- Begin to manage their feelings with support
- Follow simple rules and routines
How to help at home:
Give your child chances to play with others, talk about emotions, and practice routines like tidying up toys or packing a bag for preschool. In addition, reading books about starting school can also help ease any worries.
2. Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills
Curiosity is at the heart of learning! Children who are school ready love to explore, experiment, and solve small problems.
Furthermore, they might enjoy figuring out how to build a taller tower, make a toy work, or mix colours during art time.
How to help at home:
Encourage your child to ask questions, make guesses (“What do you think will happen if…?”), and explore different solutions during play. Open-ended toys like blocks, playdough, or puzzles are wonderful for this.
3. Independence and Self-Help Skills
Being able to do simple things independently helps children feel confident and capable at school.
School-ready children can:
- Use the toilet independently
- Wash and dry their hands
- Open lunchboxes and drink bottles
- Dress themselves (even if it takes a little extra time!)
How to help at home:
Let your child practice these daily routines now so they feel confident when school starts. Remember to praise their effort — even when it’s messy or slow!
4. Language and Communication
Strong language skills help children express themselves, make friends, and follow instructions in the classroom.
Children who are ready for school can:
- Express their needs and ideas using words
- Listen to short stories or multi-step directions
- Ask questions and share ideas in conversation
How to help at home:
Talk with your child throughout the day. Read books together, tell stories, sing songs, and encourage them to share what they notice or think about. Every conversation builds communication confidence!
5. Early Literacy and Numeracy Awareness
Before starting school, children don’t need to read or write yet — but it helps if they’re beginning to understand that letters, words, and numbers carry meaning.
They might:
- Recognise their name
- Enjoy rhymes and songs
- Count small groups of objects
- Notice letters or numbers in everyday places
How to help at home:
Play fun games with sounds, letters, and numbers! Try spotting numbers on letterboxes, singing counting songs, or finding things that start with the same sound. Keep it playful and positive.
Remember…
Every child develops at their own pace. School readiness is about helping your child feel secure, capable, and excited to learn.
More importantly, children who feel confident and supported will thrive in their own way when they start school.
My School Readiness Checklist is a no-pressure guide to working towards ways you can support your child feel capable and confident starting school.
Want to Support Your Child School Readiness at Home?
Explore my School Readiness Activities and Resources in my Shop — designed to build confidence in literacy, numeracy, and social-emotional skills through fun, play-based learning.
Each activity is parent-friendly, printable, and perfect for helping your 4–5-year-old feel ready and excited to start school!
With Love,
Maria