A simple guide to help you feel more confident about your child starting school.
Starting school is a big moment for little people - and for parents too! If you’ve been wondering “What should my child know before they start?”, you’re not alone.
At Aussie Kindies, we speak to lots of families who are thinking about what the transition to school will look like. The truth is, school readiness isn’t about ticking off a long list of things to know. It’s about helping your child feel comfortable, confident, and excited for what’s ahead.
Here are five important skills that help children settle in, make friends, and start school with a smile.
1. Managing Big Feelings
The first year of school comes with lots of new experiences - and that can bring big emotions. Helping your child learn to name and manage their feelings is a great step.
You can try:
- Talking about feelings each day (happy, nervous, excited, frustrated)
- Reading stories that explore emotions
- Practising ways to calm down, like deep breaths or having quiet time
This kind of emotional awareness helps children feel more secure and ready to tackle changes.
2. Getting Along with Others
Being able to play, share, and work with others is a big part of school life. Social skills like listening, waiting for a turn, and using kind words help children build friendships and feel part of a group.
The good news is, children practice this every day when they:
- Play with siblings or friends
- Help out with simple tasks
- Talk and problem-solve with grown-ups
At Aussie Kindies, we create lots of opportunities for children to play and learn together, because that’s how great social skills grow.
3. Doing Things for Themselves
Independence looks different for every child - but there are some simple things that help them feel capable at school.
You might encourage your child to:
- Dress themselves in the morning
- Open their lunchbox and drink bottle
- Use the toilet confidently
- Follow a basic routine, like packing up
Little by little, they’ll start to feel proud of what they can do on their own.
4. Enjoying Books and Language
Before school, children don’t need to know how to read - but it really helps if they enjoy stories and are interested in words.
You can support early literacy by:
- Reading together every day, even for just a few minutes
- Singing songs or nursery rhymes
- Talking about what you see and do
These small moments help build strong language skills and a love of learning.
5. Exploring Numbers Through Play
Maths is all around us - and children start to understand it naturally through everyday life. You might:
- Count steps or toys together
- Talk about shapes and sizes
- Match socks, sort colours, or build towers
These playful activities lay the foundation for early numeracy and problem-solving.
Your Child Is on Their Own Journey
Every child grows in their own time. Some are chatterboxes, others are quiet observers. Some love puzzles, others love pretend play. There’s no perfect path - just steady support, encouragement, and lots of love.
At Aussie Kindies, our Preschool and Kindergarten programs help children build these five essential skills through play, friendship, and fun. Our educators work closely with families to make sure each child feels confident, capable, and ready to start school.
Want to see how we support school readiness in your local community?
Find your nearest Aussie Kindies centre and come say hello - we’d love to meet you.