Starting school is a big milestone – for little ones and for you. It’s totally normal to feel a mix of excitement and nerves as that first day creeps closer. While you don’t need to turn your living room into a classroom, there are some simple, fun ways you can help your child feel more confident and ready for their big school adventure.
Here are some fun, Koru Kids-approved ways to help your little one get school ready…
1. Don’t stress about academics (but do make phonics fun!)
We’ve got some good news: your child’s teacher isn’t expecting them to show up to school already knowing how to read and write. But to give them a head start, focus on phonics (letter sounds) to help them start to understand the building blocks of early reading.
In practice:
Try playing games like “I spy something that sounds like…” rather than focusing on letter names. You can also start practicing writing their name — no need for perfection, just getting used to the motion is great. And get creative! Have your little one write using chalk on pavement, finger painting, or even writing in sand.
2. Build fine motor skills with fun activities
Before kids start writing and forming letters, they need to develop their tiny hand muscles that make writing possible. And the best part? You can build these muscles without even mentioning handwriting.
In practice:
Try activities like:
- Colouring in
- Peeling stickers (hello, sticker books!)
- Playing with rounded child-safe scissors
- Threading beads or pasta onto string
All of these help build hand strength, control, and coordination — the perfect prep for holding a pencil further down the line.
3. Encourage independence with everyday routines
Reception teachers love it when your little one is able to do a few things independently — it makes settling in much smoother, and it will make your kiddo feel like they can accomplish anything.
In practice:
You can help your child to become more independent by helping them learn to:
- Put on and take off their coat
- Use the toilet confidently
- Wash their hands properly
- Tidy up after themselves
These are all brilliant ways to boost their confidence and help them feel more in control in a new setting.
4. Encourage role play and ‘small world’ play
From pretending to be teachers and doctors to taking their toys on mini adventures, role play is more than just cute — it’s powerful learning in disguise. Through play, children practice:
- Using language to express ideas
- Navigating social situations
- Understanding emotions (theirs and others’)
In practice:
Set up little role play areas or simply follow their lead with toys — tea parties, rescue missions, or school for teddies all help build the emotional and social skills that are key to thriving in reception.
5. Got more questions? We've got you covered.
Still feeling unsure or curious about what else you can do to ease the transition?
We spoke with Christina Lydon, an expert in school readiness, in our In Conversation With series. We chatted all things from smoothing the big transition, to what to do if your child isn’t offered a place at their first choice school.
It’s packed with reassurance, real-life tips, and plenty of wisdom. Watch here
Starting school is a journey – and it doesn’t begin on their first day. Every game you play, every skill you encourage, and every bit of love and support you give is preparing your child in ways that matter most.
You’ve got this – and so do they.
