Growing independence
Taking care of themselves:
- putting on/taking off their coat and shoes
- using the toilet and washing their hands
- getting dressed with little help, e.g. after using the toilet or doing PE
- using cutlery (e.g. fork and spoon, chopsticks) and drinking from an open cup
- spending time away from you, learning they can be looked after by caring adults
Play, creativity and curiosity
- taking part in imaginative play (e.g. role play)
- drawing, painting, colouring and sticking
- sharing story books, looking at pictures and talking about the characters
- exploring the world around them (e.g. looking closely at the natural world, playing safely with objects at home
Online information and guidance
Growing independence
- Check out Parentkind's online advice hub and magazine for parents 'Be School Ready'
- Enjoy Family Corner's 5 tips to help your child get ready for Reception
- Guidance for parents and practitioners - PACEY
- Download the free EasyPeasy mobile app for tips and activities to support everyday parenting moments
Taking care of themselves
- How can you make separating easier? - Family Corner
- Getting dressed and ready for the day - backward chaining information sheet - NHS (PDF, 820KB)
- Getting ready for the day - BBC
Toilet training
Playing, creativity and curiosity
- 5 steps for brain building through serve and return - [YouTube] Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University
- How to follow a child's interest in play - [YouTube] National Literacy Trust
- How to role play with your child - Pretend role play - BBC
- How to role play with your child - Playing pretend animals - BBC
- Fire up their imagination with drawing - BBC
- What is mark-making and why is it important for learning? - PACEY
- Sharing story books on World Book Day - BBC
- Nature activities for children - BBC
- Learning and having fun on the bus - BBC
- Play a game of 'What's that sound?' - BBC