How to Be Ready for School

The Big Transition

Starting school is one of the most important milestones in a child’s life. It’s not just about a new backpack and lunchbox — it’s about helping your child develop the confidence, independence, and emotional skills to thrive in a new environment. At our recent parent workshop, Dene Franklin, one of our centre parents and the principal of Pukeatua School, shared some invaluable insights to guide families through this transition.

Transition Visits Matter

Most schools offer transition visits before children officially start, and these are invaluable. Schools differ on their expectations of how many visits and can be flexible if children need a slower transition than others. These visits give tamariki the chance to meet their teacher and classmates, explore the classroom, and get a feel for routines like morning tea and drop-off.

💡 Tip for parents: Keep drop-offs calm and confident. Say goodbye, then step away — even if it’s hard! Children often cope better when they don’t absorb their parent’s anxiety.

Independence is Key

When describing the ideal competencies of a new entrant child, Dene expressed that it is less about academic abilities and more about independence and responsibility which are crucial to a successful transition into the classroom environment. Children who can toilet themselves, manage their lunchboxes, carry their own bags, and recognise their belongings settle more quickly. These everyday skills might seem small, but they give children a sense of control in what is otherwise a brand-new environment. Encouraging these habits at home — like fetching their own shoes or packing a bag — helps children feel capable and resilient.

The Power of Language and Literacy

Parents can also make a huge difference by filling children’s lives with language. Reading aloud together every day, singing songs and waiata, and engaging in regular conversations all help develop oral language, which is the foundation for later success in reading and maths. Even casual moments, like repeating your child’s sentences back in full or counting cups on the breakfast table, add up to rich learning opportunities. Rhythm, rhyme, repetition, and exposure to everyday maths concepts help prepare children’s brains for school learning in fun, natural ways.

What Teachers Hope For

While teachers don’t expect children to arrive at school already reading or writing, there are some foundational skills that make the transition smoother. Recognising their own name is a big one, as it helps them find their bag hook, books, and art. Being familiar with letters of the alphabet, shapes, colours, and numbers up to ten also gives children a head start. Knowing things like their birthday month or the names of important people in their lives are helpful too. These aren’t requirements, but they are stepping stones that build confidence.

Routines and Mindsets

Children feel safe when life is predictable. Having consistent routines at home — a familiar bedtime rhythm, packing bags in the morning, or knowing what happens when they arrive at school — helps reduce anxiety and gives them a sense of ownership over their day. Equally important is the mindset children carry. They often adopt their parents’ attitudes towards learning, so framing challenges positively is key. Instead of saying “maths is hard,” try “maths can be tricky, but we can work it out together.”

Encouraging a growth mindset makes space for persistence and confidence.

What We Do at Te Ōki

At Te Ōki, readiness for school is part of everyday life. We read and sing with tamariki daily, incorporating rhythm, rhyme, and rich oral language into our routines. Maths concepts are explored naturally through play — counting blocks, noticing patterns, measuring sand and water. In the Tupu room, children sign themselves in on our name wall and proudly write their names on their artwork. Whānau photo displays connect them to their sense of belonging, while independence is fostered through routines like filling drink bottles and taking care of belongings. Our Little Explorers programme extends this by helping children build confidence and see themselves as active participants in their wider community.

A Shared Journey

We want to say a big THANK YOU to Dene for supporting our community with this workshop and for those that came. Perhaps the most reassuring takeaway from the workshop was this: children don’t need to arrive at school with every skill mastered. Teachers are there to teach, and every child develops at their own pace. What matters most is that children begin their school journey with curiosity, resilience, and the confidence that comes from feeling supported at home and in their early learning environment. By focusing on independence, language, routines, and a positive mindset, we can help them step into this exciting new chapter ready to thrive.