15 Practical skills to learn before starting school

Starting primary school is often one of the most exciting times in your child’s life, but it can be an anxious time too.

Help prepare them with some basic practical skills before they start.

All children are different, but being able to do even a handful of these things by themselves will help them feel more confident when they get there.
 

15 practical skills to learn before starting school

1. Being able to sit still and listen when they're asked.

2. Talking in full sentences to ask for what they want.

3. Going to the toilet on their own and being fully toilet trained.

4. Recognising and being able to write their own first name and surname.

5. Feeling comfortable speaking to an adult/teacher to ask for help.

6. Being able to take off their coat and put on their own shoes without any help.

7. Being able to open up and enjoy looking at books.

8. Being independent and comfortable to do some things on their own without adult help.

9. Having good social skills and the ability to interact and share with others.

10. Able to say the alphabet and know how to write each letter in upper and lower case.

11. Able to count to 20 and know how to write the numbers.

12. Able to read simple words such as 'the', 'has' etc.

13. Able to add single numbers together.

14. Understanding the word ‘no’ and boundaries it sets for behaviour.

15. Understanding the word ‘stop’ and that such a phrase might be used to prevent danger.

More kids articles to enjoy:

• Top tips to avoid tears at the school gate
• School readiness at home
• Encouraging your preschooler to read and write

^{Image source: Herfamily}