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HAT DOES 'BEING READY' FOR SCHOOL MEAN? STARTING SCHOOL IS A BIG EVENT IN A CHILD'S LIFE, AND FOR THEIR FAMILY. TO GET OFF TO A GOOD START, CHILDREN NEED TO DEVELOP A RANGE OF SKILLS, SO THAT THEY WILL BE READY TO LEARN WELL AND BE HAPPY AT SCHOOL. ALL AUSTRALIAN CHILDREN MUST START SCHOOL BY THE TIME THEY TURN 6 YEARS OF AGE. MOST CHILDREN START BETWEEN THE AGES OF 4 AND 5 YEARS. Your child will use many different skills, even in their first days and weeks at school: -Physical health and development: running, jumping, climbing, and playing ball, holding a pencil and turning pages in a book. -Practical skills: using the toilet independently and washing their hands, unpacking their lunch box and eating their lunch. -Social skills and concentration: sharing, taking turns, getting along with others, following rules and instructions. -Emotional maturity: talking with people they don't know, being able to play and share with others, and coping with being angry, sad or frustrated. -Language and communication skills: listening to others speaking and expressing their thoughts clearly and understanding what the teacher says.
WHY DO THESE SKILLS MATTER? At school, your child will be expected to: SEPARATE FROM YOU WITHOUT BEING UPSET WAIT PATIENTLY FOR ATTENTION IN A LARGE GROUP OF CHILDREN TAKE TURNS, SHARE AND PLAY WELL WITH OTHER CHILDREN EXPRESS THEIR FEELINGS AND NEEDS POLITELY COPE WITH FRUSTRATION FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS STICK WITH A TASK If your child is not able to do these tasks, they might still be able to start school in a supported environment. This might involve a special needs school, or a mainstream school with extra support. If your child has special educational needs, a physical or learning disability, ask the school about what support is available. In some schools, the support team may include your child's teacher, education assistant, principal, school psychologist, medical doctors, or other specialist service providers.
MAKING AN INFORMED DECISION There are things you can do to help your child enjoy school and thrive in a challenging environment: 32 Peninsula Kids – Spring 2025