Getting ready for school is a big step — not just for children, but for families too. Whether your child is preparing for preschool, kindergarten or primary school, you might be wondering what they need to know, and how you can help them feel confident and capable.
At Kids Academy, we believe school readiness is about more than knowing letters and numbers. It’s about helping children feel secure, independent, and curious — so they can walk into their new classroom with a smile and a sense of belonging.
The great news? You don’t need to be a teacher or plan elaborate lessons. With a little guidance, you can build school readiness through simple, everyday activities at home.
That’s why we’ve created a free printable for families: 10 Easy School Readiness Activities to Do at Home (PDF) — a practical guide to help you build your child’s confidence, social skills, and love of learning in ways that feel natural and fun.
Why School Readiness Starts with Everyday Moments
School readiness is about more than academic knowledge. According to the Australian Early Development Census, children do best at school when they have developed strong emotional regulation, social confidence, independence, and early communication and problem-solving skills.
The good news is, these abilities grow naturally through play, routines, and conversations — things you’re likely already doing every day.
By building these skills at home, you’re laying the foundation for a smoother, more positive start to school — and showing your child that learning can happen anywhere.
When Can My Child Start Preschool or School?
Every state and territory in Australia has slightly different age guidelines and names for preschool or kindergarten programs. It’s normal to feel unsure about when your child should start and what they’ll be expected to do.
We recommend checking with your state’s requirements or talking to your local Kids Academy team. Our educators are here to help guide you, and you can always visit our Preschool & Kindergarten page for more details about our tailored school readiness program and how it supports children at every stage of development.
10 Practical Activities to Support School Readiness at Home
Here’s a closer look at the simple, developmentally rich activities featured in our free download — all designed to fit into your family’s daily life.
1. Emotional Regulation
- Help your child recognise, express, and manage their emotions.
- Feelings Charades – Take turns acting out different feelings and guessing what they are.
- Create a Calm-Down Box – Fill a small box with comforting items like a soft toy, sensory object, or colouring materials.
Why it helps: Being able to manage big feelings helps children adjust to new routines, handle frustration, and feel safe in unfamiliar environments.
2. Social Skills
Support your child to build confidence with peers and learn how to play, share, and solve small problems.
- Family Game Night – Games with turns and rules help children practise cooperation, patience, and kindness.
- Playdate Practice – Create opportunities for your child to socialise, work through small conflicts, and build friendships.
Why it helps: Social confidence helps children make friends and feel connected when they start school.
3. Independence
Encourage your child to do everyday tasks on their own to build pride and responsibility.
- Lunchbox Practice – Let them open and close their lunchbox, containers, and drink bottle.
- Dress for Success – Support your child to dress themselves in clothes they can manage, including shoes and jackets.
Why it helps: Independence builds confidence and helps children feel ready for daily routines at school.
4. Early Literacy
Promote a love of language, storytelling, and meaningful conversations.
- Storytime with Questions – Pause while reading to ask “What do you think will happen next?” or “Why did that character feel that way?”
- Name Hunt – Encourage your child to find and recognise their name around the home — on artwork, toy labels, or lunchboxes.
Why it helps: Literacy begins with conversation, listening, and engaging with stories, not just learning letters.
5. Early Numeracy
Explore maths through hands-on experiences that help your child make sense of the world.
- Shape Hunt – Spot shapes in your environment — look for circles, triangles, and squares at the park or in the kitchen.
- Counting Helper – Ask your child to count out cutlery, sort laundry by colour, or count steps as you walk.
Why it helps: Early maths skills grow through real-life problem-solving, not just counting by rote.
What’s in the Free Download?
Our printable includes:
- 10 easy-to-follow activities linked to key school readiness skills
- Clear explanations of what each activity supports and how
- Simple ideas using everyday materials — no fancy equipment needed
Download your free copy of “10 Easy School Readiness Activities to Do at Home” and feel confident supporting your child’s development.
See How Kids Academy Prepares Children for School
At Kids Academy, we believe every child deserves a strong, confident start. Our preschool and kindergarten programs are tailored for children aged 3–5 and offer a private early learning experience that focuses on:
- Project-based, child-led learning – Encouraging exploration, decision-making, and problem-solving
- Exploring technology with purpose – Introducing age-appropriate tools to build digital awareness
- Enrichment programs that inspire – Including STEM, music, movement, and art to nurture the whole child
Our caring educators guide each child to develop the confidence, curiosity, and communication skills they’ll carry into school and beyond. Learn more on our Preschool & Kindergarten page.
In Summary
- School readiness is about building emotional, social, and cognitive skills — not just early academics
- You can start supporting these skills at home through play, conversation, and routines
- Our free activity guide makes it easy to get started
- Kids Academy’s preschool and kindergarten programs give children a confident, capable foundation for school
- Reach out to your local centre if you’d like personalised guidance on when and how to begin
What’s Next?
Not ready to book a tour just yet?
Start by downloading our free guide and follow Kids Academy on Facebook for more learning tips and ideas.
Ready to take the next step?
Find your nearest Kids Academy centre and book a tour today.