Simple Activities to Practise School Readiness at Home

 For many parents, the early years of a child’s life seem to fly by. Before you know it, your little one is almost ready to start school—but are they truly prepared? You might wonder if they need to know the alphabet, count to ten, or write their name before starting kindergarten. But school readiness is so much more than just academic knowledge.

School readiness is about the emotional, social, physical, and cognitive development that helps children transition smoothly into formal schooling. And the good news? You don’t need fancy toys or expensive programs to build these skills. With a little guidance, parents can introduce simple, everyday activities at home to help their children thrive when school begins.

In this blog, we’ll explore easy and fun school readiness activities that you can practise at home, as well as how a trusted early learning centre in Dural provider can support this journey.

What is School Readiness?

Before diving into activities, let’s understand what school readiness really means. It includes:

• Social skills (sharing, taking turns, following instructions)

• Emotional regulation (managing emotions, expressing needs)

• Language development (speaking clearly, understanding others)

• Physical development (fine and gross motor skills)

• Cognitive skills (problem-solving, focus, memory)

While a quality day care centre or childcare centre in Dural nurtures these areas every day, they can be easily supported at home through practical activities built into your normal routine.

Why Start School Readiness at Home?

Children learn best through repetition, play, and connection. At home, your child feels secure and relaxed—making it the ideal place for early learning to happen.

Practising school readiness skills at home:

• Builds confidence and independence

• Strengthens family bonds

• Prepares children emotionally for structured environments

• Reinforces what they learn at their day care centre

Now, let’s explore simple activities you can do with your child—no special equipment required.

1. Language & Communication Activities

Story Time & Retelling

Reading books aloud helps children develop vocabulary, listening, and imagination. After reading, ask questions like:

• “What happened first?”

• “Who was your favourite character?”

• “Can you tell me the story in your own words?”

📌 Why it helps: Builds narrative skills and comprehension—key literacy foundations.

Role Play and Pretend Games

Pretend play like “shopkeeper,” “doctor,” or “teacher” lets children explore language, storytelling, and social roles.

📌 Why it helps: Encourages expressive language, empathy, and turn-taking.

Sing Nursery Rhymes or Songs with Actions

Songs like “Twinkle Twinkle” or “Incy Wincy Spider” develop rhythm, memory, and motor coordination.

📌 Why it helps: Enhances phonemic awareness, which supports reading development.

 2. Social & Emotional Readiness Activities

Emotion Naming Game

Ask: “How do you feel today?” and encourage your child to describe emotions. Use picture books or mirrors to show facial expressions.

📌 Why it helps: Builds emotional vocabulary and self-regulation skills.

Play Dates or Group Activities

Whether it’s at the park, local library, or your Dural childcare community, social interaction teaches sharing, patience, and teamwork.

📌 Why it helps: Helps children navigate group settings like classrooms.

Waiting Games

Play games where your child must wait their turn—like “Simon Says” or board games.

📌 Why it helps: Teaches impulse control and patience.

3. Cognitive Development Activities

Sorting and Matching Games

Use buttons, socks, or blocks and ask your child to group them by colour, size, or shape.

📌 Why it helps: Develops logic, categorisation, and concentration.

Memory Card Games

Use a basic set of memory cards or make your own with drawings.

📌 Why it helps: Strengthens attention span and short-term memory.

Counting Everyday Items

Count fruit in the bowl, steps in the hallway, or cars on the street.

📌 Why it helps: Reinforces number recognition and counting skills.

4. Fine Motor Skill Activities

Cutting Practice

Provide child-safe scissors and paper for simple cutting tasks like straight lines or shapes.

📌 Why it helps: Strengthens hand muscles and hand-eye coordination.

Drawing and Tracing

Encourage free drawing, colouring within the lines, or tracing shapes and letters.

📌 Why it helps: Develops pencil grip and writing readiness.

Playdough Play

Roll, squish, and shape playdough into letters or objects.

📌 Why it helps: Builds fine motor strength and creativity.

5. Gross Motor Skill Activities

Obstacle Courses

Create a simple indoor or backyard course using cushions, chairs, or chalk.

📌 Why it helps: Enhances balance, coordination, and spatial awareness.

Ball Games

Throwing, catching, or kicking a ball develops large muscle groups.

📌 Why it helps: Prepares children for active school playtimes.

Dancing and Movement Songs

Play music and dance together using songs like “Heads, Shoulders, Knees and Toes.”

📌 Why it helps: Improves motor planning and listening skills.

6. Self-Care and Independence Skills

Daily Routines

Encourage your child to:

• Brush their teeth

• Dress themselves

• Wash hands before meals

• Pack their own bag

📌 Why it helps: Builds confidence and prepares children for school routines.

Meal Prep Helpers

Let your child help with lunch—placing food in containers, peeling fruit, or pouring water.

📌 Why it helps: Builds responsibility and motor coordination.

Simple Chores

Folding clothes, feeding pets, or wiping tables gives your child a sense of contribution.

📌 Why it helps: Nurtures independence and life skills.

7. Outdoor Play: The Ultimate Learning Tool

Outdoor play offers one of the richest learning environments for young children. Activities like:

• Running

• Climbing

• Gardening

• Collecting leaves

...may seem simple, but they enhance physical health, curiosity, problem-solving, and emotional wellbeing.

A quality early learning centre in Dural will always include outdoor play as part of the curriculum—helping children develop holistically and prepare for school life.

How Childcare Centres Support School Readiness

Whether your child attends a day care centre in Dural, or a nearby childcare centre, the structure and curriculum are designed to build every area of school readiness.

Top centres follow the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF), providing:

• Individualised learning plans

• Qualified educators

• Language-rich environments

• Inclusive and safe play-based settings

• Daily routines that mimic school transitions

Choosing the right Dural childcare centre ensures your child gets the best support—both at home and beyond.

Final Thoughts

School readiness isn’t about pressuring children to "perform" but about giving them tools to explore, express, and engage with the world. With a few simple activities practised consistently at home, you can build your child’s skills and confidence in a natural, fun way.

The best part? These activities don’t require screens, special equipment, or big time commitments—just your time, attention, and encouragement.

Why Wiggles and Giggles is the Best Early Learning Centre in Dural

At Wiggles and Giggles, we understand how important school readiness is for your child’s future. As the leading early learning centre in Dural, we take a holistic approach—combining play-based learning, nurturing educators, and strong parent partnerships.

Our environment encourages curiosity, independence, and resilience, preparing your child for school and life beyond. Whether you're seeking a day care centre in Dural or trusted North Kellyville childcare, we’re here to support your child’s early learning journey.

Because school readiness begins with the right start—and that starts with us.