THE ultimate guide for parents
This simple School Readiness Handbook
for conscientious parents like you
is a clear and practical guide to give your child
the optimal start to school.
In accordance with
THIS BOOK WILL HELP YOU
optimise your child's start to school
With this guide, you'll learn:
The intended definition of 'School Readiness' by the Department of Education.
How to determine the optimal time for your child to start Primary School.
Practical ways you can support the development of your child.
To apply the 7-Step School Readiness System to assess your child's School Readiness.
How the school curriculum is designed and what is expected from Kindergarten students.
Ways to best support your child's special learning needs.
When and how to arrange a psychometric assessment for your child.
Who to take your child to see for specific concerns.
When it's best to delay starting school or when a student should repeat a grade.
What should be discussed with the school.
Ways to help your child prepare for their first day of Kindergarten.
How to support your child once they start school.
When parental decisions and school decisions take precedence.
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WHY I WROTE THIS BOOK
I am a teacher and mother to three Primary school aged children. I understand the far-reaching implications of the current vague legal school starting age requirements from the perspectives of an educator, parent and community member.
I have been asked to clarify ‘school readiness’ innumerous times over the years and am called upon to help parents assess whether their child is ready to start school. I know this to be a tremendous source of anxiety for many parents as they realise this decision has life-long academic, social and emotional implications.
My own children are not immune to this current climate and as a fellow parent, I understand the pressures we all face.
I created this handbook to address the concerns parents invariably have and because there isn’t a similar resource currently available.
It is a concise, no-nonsense, explicit and practical guide to help you as parents understand what is meant in NSW by the term ’school readiness’, how you can assess whether your child meets this expectation as well as practical suggestions on how you can help your child to develop these skills.
It is my aim that this handbook gives you and your family the guidance you’re looking for.
‘School readiness’ is a measure of the knowledge, skills and behaviours that enable children to participate and succeed in school. Parents sometimes think that school readiness means being able to read, write and do basic maths before starting school. This isn’t the case! School readiness is about the development of the whole child – their social and emotional skills, physical skills, communication skills and cognitive skills.
Australian Government, Department of Education and Training
School Readiness Is more than a Date of Birth.
It requires a holistic view.
When deciding when is best for a child to start school, many people only regard the month the child was born.
In reality, there is much more to consider when making this important decision.
Understand what is meant by 'school readiness'
Use the 7-Step School Readiness System to determine your child's school readiness.
Learn ways you can support your child's development.
and avoid:
the development of negative work habits
poor social skill development and social connections
low self-esteem
poor self-confidence
misdiagnosis of neurological issues
academic underachievement
AREAS IN NEED OF CONSIDERATION:
BODY
Your child's physical health checks and medical conditions.
COGNITIVE
Your child's mental processes, capabilities and limitations.
EMOTIONAL
Your child's emotional regulation processes.
SOCIAL
Your child's social skills, ability to coperate and get along with others.
COMMUNICATION
Your child's language development. Ability to listen to and follow instructions, express themselves and ask questions.
PHYSICAL
Your child's physical development, muscle tone, coordination and strength.
ADDRESSING THE CONFUSION & STRESS
You are here because the current vague NSW School start age causes you confusion
and conflicting, freeweilding opinions of others, although well-intended,
are just adding to the stress.
You want the best for your child, but surely you know there's more to consider
about school readiness than the month a child was born?
Up-to-date research, correlation with NSW Department of Education
and guided by an education expert, your new understanding of terms, curriculum,
age-appropriate expectations and school procedures will alleviate your confusion.
This simple 7-Step School Readiness System will give you the reassurrance you're seeking
to help your child start school in the best way possible.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Nicole has spent more than 2 decades immersed in Primary School education. She is a lead teacher with extensive experience across the industry.
Nicole has been involved in school and systemic policy development, curriculum reviews, school strategic management plans and assessment, design of qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis and change management. She has significant experience working with children with a variety of language, social, behavioural and socio-economic challenges. Nicole has a keen interest in special learning needs, has extensive training and experience in identification and meeting student academic, social and emotional requirements and designing and implementing modification programs. She has facilitated Kindergarten interviews, orientation programs and school preparation sessions for pre-schoolers.
Nicole designs and facilitates student, parent and family support workshops, and resilience and wellbeing programs for students. She tailors student and parent programs on topics such as grief, change and growth.
Nicole is highly accomplished with qualifications across curriculum design, learning styles, assessment, reporting, behaviour, literacy and numeracy acquisition, gifted education and wellbeing. She has multiple university degrees across both education and psychology faculties.
Nicole’s dedication to Post-Graduate Psychology study is attributed to the great value she sees in what an experienced educator can bring to students, schools and families from a psychological standpoint. She greatly values measurable data and works with educational assessments to provide insight and support for holistic student learning.
Nicole is a passionate educator aiming to support as many students and their families as possible.
“I was feeling pulled in different directions and very anxious about what would be best for my son. This book clarified what I actually need to look for and I feel so much more confident making this decision with clarity now”
Kathy F., Mother
You cover a wide range of material with down-to-earth, practical explanations of where these discussions came from, what to look for in your children's development and what's next. My favourite chapter was ‘how do I support my child's development?’, you have explained complex ideas in a clear no-nonsense way. The 7 step school readiness system is gold!! The last 2 points on hand strength and dexterity, muscle tone and coordination are really critical and so often overlooked.
Stacey P., Educator
This book has provided much needed clarity in navigating school readiness for my children. It has also provided me with a sense of comfort and support in selecting the right time for my children to start and thrive at school.
Renee L., Parent
This should be on every baby shower gift list! All parents need to know and understand this to be able to support their children in the right ways and resist outside pressures. I really love how you are inclusive of all children throughout this resource. A terrific guide for all parents and will certainly help us once their children get to the classroom!
Jessica C., Primary School Teacher
I was feeling so overwhelmed trying to decide when was best for my son to start school. I was being pulled all over the place by people trying to help but giving me conflicting advice. It's so hard as a parent to know what is best. Whether starting younger or older is the best option when your child has an early birthday is confusing. This book REALLY helped to explain both sides and give me a clear way forward. The Seven Steps are BRILLIANT and I highly recommend this process to anyone trying to decide when to send their child to school. Thank you for writing this book!
Lisa G., Grateful Mother
MY PERSONAL
GUARANTEE TO YOU
My guarantee to you is that these steps, when implemented, will highlight your child's degree of school readiness.
I also guarantee that when the practical suggestions are implemented, development will progress.
These are the same principles I have refined over the last 20 years supporting students to thrive in the school setting.
GIVE YOUR CHILD THE SUPPORT THEY DESERVE
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Address confusion
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Start school with confidence
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