What is school readiness?
School readiness refers to a child's ability to cope with the challenges associated with entry to school (e.g. separation from parents/caregiver, following instructions, anticipating and following routines), and the child’s ability to take advantage of the learning opportunities provided by school.
| School readiness can be described as: |
- physical well-being and age-appropriate fine and gross motor skill development;
- social competence;
- emotional maturity including ability to adapt to new experiences;
- language richness;
- general knowledge and cognitive skills.
|
Why is it important?
How well a child does as he enters school plays a major role in the level of success he could potentially experience throughout his educational career, and life. When a child enters school unready to learn, his chances of fulfilling his overall potential are harmed.
| For example, entering school with: |
- poor language and communication skills may lead to:
- lower ability to focus attention in class
- disruptive behaviour
- inadequate social competence
- poor social skills and emotional development may lead to:
- difficulty with peer relationships or peer rejection
- diminished ability to focus on academic work
- poor attendance
- disruptive behaviour
- lower literacy and numeracy skills
|
|
