Starting school is a major milestone—but it’s about more than just being the right age.
School readiness is all about having the physical, social, emotional, and cognitive skills that help children feel confident, capable, and connected in a new environment. At Light Occupational Therapy, we help children build the foundational skills they need to start school—and thrive once they’re there.
Whether your child is beginning kindergarten, prep, or transitioning into a new school setting, OT can support their journey in ways that feel empowering, practical, and meaningful.
What Does “School Readiness” Really Mean?
School readiness is more than recognising letters or counting it includes a wide range of abilities, such as:
- Fine motor skills for holding a pencil, using scissors, and opening lunchboxes
- Gross motor skills for playground play, sitting upright, and moving between activities
- Self-care skills like toileting, dressing, and managing belongings
- Fostering meaningful connections by supporting skills like sharing, collaborative play, and understanding classroom routines
- Emotional regulation to manage feelings like frustration, separation anxiety, and excitement
- Attention and focus to participate in group activities and follow multi-step instructions
When these skills are still developing, starting school can feel overwhelming—for both children and families.
Signs Your Child May Benefit from OT Support Before Starting School
Every child develops at their own pace, but some signs that extra support could help include:
- Difficulty holding or controlling a pencil
- Struggling with cutting, drawing, or pre-writing tasks
- Trouble sitting still or maintaining posture for group activities
- Anxiety around separation, new routines, or social interactions
- Delays in toileting, dressing, or independent eating
- Difficulty following instructions or transitioning between tasks
If any of these sound familiar, occupational therapy can offer practical, positive strategies to make the transition smoother.
How Occupational Therapy Supports School Readiness
At Light OT, we focus on building the real-world skills that set children up for success at school. Therapy might include:
- Strengthening fine motor skills through fun, play-based activities
- Practicing scissor skills, pencil control, and hand-eye coordination
- Supporting emotional regulation strategies for coping with change
- Building independence with self-care routines like toileting and dressing
- Supporting focus, active listening and following directions with confidence.
- Role-playing classroom routines and group participation skills
Our approach is always child-led, engaging, and focused on making skills meaningful and achievable.
Easy Ways to Support School Readiness at Home
You can also help your child prepare for school through small, everyday activities:
- Encourage independent dressing, even if it takes a little longer
- Set up “school-like” play scenarios with snack times, story time, and tidy-up routines
- Practice using lunchboxes, drink bottles, and school bags
- Visit the school together, if possible, to build familiarity
- Read books about starting school and talk positively about what to expect
Supporting your child to build confidence and independence now can ease the transition—and help them start school feeling proud.
FAQ: OT and School Preparation
Does my child need to know how to read before starting school?
No. Early school years focus on teaching literacy skills. More important is your child’s ability to engage, and participate in activities.
Can OT help if my child is very anxious about starting school?
Yes! Occupational therapy can support emotional readiness, helping children build confidence with routines, transitions, and new experiences.
When should I seek support if I’m concerned about school readiness?
The earlier, the better. Even a few months of targeted support can make a big difference in your child’s confidence and ability to adapt.
Helping Children Start Strong
School is an exciting adventure—and with the right skills in place, it can be a positive, empowering experience right from the start.
If you’re wondering whether your child is ready for the next big step, contact Light Occupational Therapy to find out how we can support your child’s school readiness journey.
Together, we can build strong foundations for a bright, confident start.
Last modified: 01/06/2025
