The preschool years are a time of growing independence where your child learns how to do things themselves.  This is a really important time for children preparing to start school. 

Activities and tasks like putting on a school uniform, learning to sit still or how to hold a pencil, are known as school readiness tasks.  School readiness is when a child has the ability and skills to easily and successful start school. 

If you child is 4 years old it is recommended to book an appointment with your local family doctor for their free four-year developmental check.   

Developmental delays are likely to be identified at regular health check-ups with your family doctor. Developmental delay is treated with early intervention. Early intervention provides support early to help children "catch up". For more information on developmental delay see our Child Development page or our Developmental delay Factsheet. 

Below are some school readiness tasks that you can practice with your child in the weeks and months leading up to them starting school.  These tasks are for children aged 4 to 5 years old. 

Going to the toilet 

Get your child to practice tasks like: 

• pulling down and putting on their pants, skirt or underwear before and after going to the toilet. This includes being able to undo and redo any pant zips and buttons
• wiping their bottom by themselves
• following hand hygiene routines by remembering to wash and dry their hands after going to the toilet.  This includes knowing how to use and being familiar with paper towel or a hand dryer, not only a bathroom towel.   

TIP: if you child is unfamiliar or scared of using a hand dryer try take them to public bathrooms at a shop or a café and show them how to use it.  If they are scared of the sound try use a hair dryer at home so them become familiar with the sound and feeling of the air. 

If you child has difficulty doing these tasks by themselves speak to your local child and family nurse service to seek support from an occupational therapist. 

Sitting still 

Get your child to practice: 

• sitting at a table for meals and snacks without getting up from the table until they are finished
• doing activities at a table for a period like puzzles, drawing or colouring
• playing a game of statues, where you can call out “statues” and every has to freeze for 5 to 10 seconds.  This will teach your child to listen for instructions in a busy or noisy environment and to be still and listen. 

Holding a pencil or texter 

Strengthen your child’s hand grip so they can hold and use a pencil or texter by encouraging them to: 

• play with playdough
• trace their name on a piece of paper while holding a pencil or texter between fingers and thumb (not a fist)
• do threading activities with string and beads, supervise them when using beads or other small objects that are a choking hazard
• help in the kitchen by cutting food with child safe cutlery.

If you child has difficulty using a pencil or texter when holding it between fingers and thumb, or can only hold it with their fist, speak to your local child and family nurse service to seek support from an occupational therapist. 

Feeding themselves at school and using a lunchbox 

Get your child to practice: 

• opening and closing their drink bottle and lunch box or bag.  This includes knowing how to open and close latches on lunch boxes, zips on bags and either twist tops or pop tops on their drink bottle.
• packing their lunch in their school bag and getting lunch from their school bag
• peeling oranges, mandarins and bananas and opening any food that may be wrapped like a sandwich.

Getting dressed in their school uniform 

Encourage your child to practice: 

• getting undressed for the bath and then into their pyjamas after the bath, these clothes are easier to get in and out and there is more time and less stress than before leaving in the morning
• getting into their school uniform by themselves.  This includes doing buttons and zips.  

TIP – Get your child to wear their school shoes a few weeks before starting school to get use to how they feel. Encourage your child to do their own shoelaces and straps. 

Following instructions 

Leading up your child starting school regularly give them 2-step instructions such as: 

• go brush your teeth and then get dressed into your pyjamas
• put on your school uniform and then put on your shoes
• put your lunch in your bag and zip up your bag. 

If you child has difficulty following 2-step instructions speak to your local child and family nurse service to seek support from a speech pathologist.