The 5 key school readiness skills that really matter.
If your child is between the ages of 3 and 5, you’ve probably started thinking about school. You might be wondering: What do they need to know before starting? Are they ready? How can I help?
At Kids Academy, we understand that preparing your child for school is one of the biggest steps in their early years. But here’s the good news: school readiness isn’t about being able to read or do maths problems. It’s about helping your child build the skills that will give them the confidence to take on new routines, make friends, and enjoy learning.
Here are five of the most important skills children develop in the years before they start school - and simple ways you can support them at home.
1. Understanding Emotions
Starting school brings new environments and new experiences - so it’s completely normal for children to feel a mix of emotions. Being able to recognise and manage those feelings helps them feel more secure.
You can support emotional development by:
- Naming emotions (“You look excited!” or “That made you feel frustrated”)
- Modelling how to calm down when things feel tricky
- Reading books together about feelings
At Kids Academy, we focus on building strong emotional foundations through positive relationships and everyday interactions.
2. Social Confidence
When children play, take turns, and work alongside others, they’re developing the social skills that help them feel like they belong in a group setting.
Some key social skills include:
- Listening and following instructions
- Sharing and taking turns
- Asking for help when needed
We help children practice these skills through group play, mealtimes, and collaborative experiences that support communication and cooperation.
3. Everyday Independence
In the first year of school, children are expected to manage small daily tasks. This might include:
- Unpacking their own bag
- Opening their lunchbox
- Putting on a hat
- Using the toilet independently
- Following a basic routine
Practicing these things now - bit by bit - helps children feel capable and confident when it’s time to start school.
4. Language and Literacy Foundations
Children build early literacy through everyday conversations, stories, songs, and asking questions. You might notice your child:
- Recognising their name or familiar letters
- Enjoying rhymes or silly word games
- Retelling their favourite story from memory
We encourage a love of language through meaningful, play-based experiences that make reading and talking together part of each day.
5. Early Number Sense
Numeracy is more than counting - it’s about helping children make sense of patterns, order, and problem-solving. This starts with:
- Counting steps or toys
- Talking about sizes and quantities
- Noticing shapes in the environment
In our program, we explore these ideas through hands-on activities that encourage curiosity and confidence with numbers.
Every Child is Different - and That’s Okay
Some children might be more socially confident. Others may love books or building things. Wherever your child is at, the most important thing is that they feel supported, encouraged, and safe to grow.
At Kids Academy, our Preschool and Kindergarten programs are designed to build all five of these important school readiness skills. Our caring educators create fun, engaging environments where your child can explore, make friends, and develop at their own pace.
Want to learn more about our approach?
Find your local Kids Academy centre and come in for a visit - we’d love to show you around.