Getting Ready for Primary School: What Kindergarteners Need

As primary school approaches, many parents worry whether their child must already read fluently. School readiness actually covers several areas, and academic skill is only one of them. Requirements differ between schools, so ask your chosen school directly.

Areas of readiness

• Independence: eating alone, using the toilet alone, tidying a bag and supplies.
• Social and emotional: coping with separation from parents, taking turns, sharing, putting needs into words.
• Language: understanding simple instructions and telling a story in order.
• Fine motor: holding a pencil comfortably and using scissors.
• Pre-academic: knowing most letters and numbers and the first sounds of words.

Skills that often help

Knowing letters and their sounds, writing one’s own name, counting objects to 10, and telling shapes and colours apart are useful. But a child who is not yet fluent in reading can still do well in grade one if they are emotionally ready and independent.

At-home activities

• Keep regular bedtimes and wake-up times, like a school schedule.
• Let your child pack and carry their own bag.
• Read together every day, even for just ten minutes.
• Add short, relaxed practice with letters, numbers and writing.

Do not pressure your child

Too much pressure makes children dislike learning. It is better to build many positive experiences with letters and numbers through play.

Practice material

Worksheets for kindergarten and grade one are useful for repeat practice. Start with the letters and reading worksheets and the counting worksheets.