Building relationships and communicating
At school your child will be meeting lots of new people and make new friendships. Some things to help them get ready include:
Being with others
- practising sharing and taking turns with toys
- talking to them about how they are feeling and why
- looking at story books together and speaking about what characters are feeling is a good way to do this
- beginning to recognise what others are feeling, e.g. understanding if a friend is sad
- encouraging them to set boundaries for themselves and others (e.g. knowing how to say 'no')
Communication and language
- singing along with songs and nursery rhymes
- talking happily to others about activities, experiences and the world around them
- showing they need help by speaking clearly (in basic English or sign language)
- recognising the pattern of their name (so they can find it on their coat peg or jacket)
Listening and engaging
- paying attention for short periods of time
- listening to and following simple instructions
- carrying on with a task even when it’s difficult and bouncing back if things go wrong
Online information and guidance
Building relationships and communicating
Top tips for enjoying stories together and book recommendations for starting school - BookTrust
Being with others
Learn how to support your child to make friends - Family Corner
Understand your child's social development - Words for Life
Practice sharing with toys - BBC
Communication and language
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
Follow the walk and talk trail with the National Literacy Trust
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