Skills to practice before starting Reception

When your child starts school, they’ll meet lots of new people and begin forming friendships. Helping them develop social and communication skills now will make this transition easier.

Being with others

Encourage your child to spend time with others and practise sharing and taking turns with toys. 

Have a look at this article from Family Corner, Learn how to support your child to make friends 
and this from Words for Life on understanding your child's social development  
The BBC has an article on practice sharing with toys

Talk to your child about how they’re feeling and why. Looking at storybooks together and discussing what characters are feeling is a great way to build empathy. For ideas, the BookTrust has a list of Top tips for enjoying stories together and book recommendations for starting school

Help them begin to recognise what others are feeling, such as understanding if a friend is sad, and encourage them to set boundaries for themselves and others (for example, knowing how to say “no”).

Communication and language

Sing along with songs and nursery rhymes, and talk happily about activities, experiences, and the world around them. Show them how to ask for help clearly - whether in basic English or sign language. 

You can help them how to write their name so they can recognise it on their coat peg or jacket. 

You are your child's first teacher – help them learn how to write their name - Words for Life 

Explore a range of approaches to language learning and development from NHS Start for Life

Build your child’s imagination and language by making up stories together - BBC

Listening and engaging

Support your child in paying attention for short periods, listening to and following simple instructions, and sticking with tasks even when they’re challenging. Try fun activities like Follow the walk and talk trail with the National Literacy Trust 

or take a look at these activities from the BBC:

Practice language and listening skills at home with these games - Playing with a cardboard telescope - BBC

Practice language and listening skills at home with these games - Red Light, Green Light - BBC