School Readiness Sophie-Anna Shumack

Developmental Milestones AgeControlCoordination 6-9mthsTransfers object from one hand to other Point with index Grab with whole hand 9-12mthsDrops toy into containerPush, pull, squeeze, throw and rotate toys 1-2yearsBuild 4-6 block tower Copy a drawing of a vertical line with assistance Scribble in circles with crayon/pencil Help with dressing and undressing Finger feed efficiently 2-3yearsCopies – I O with min assistance Screw and unscrew 2.5cm lid Strings 2.5cm beads 3-4yearsTraces diamond but with angles rounded Imitates + Twinkle twinkle little star 4-5yearsCopy letters in name Drawing most basic shapes Holds pencil functionally Construction toys buttons

How do I know if my child is ready? Fine motor skills Pre-writing skills Attention Academic skills Self-care skills and independence

Activities to build hand strength include: Drawing or painting on vertical surface Play dough – roll, knead, cut, squeeze Newspaper scrunch Peg games or using tongs Everyday things: dressing self, opening and closing containers, packing away, cutting up food, helping to put clothes on the line, using a spray bottle to water plants Arm and Hand Strength

Not as simple as “picking a hand” If your child does not have a hand preference by 4 years of age practice: Scrunching paper with two hands Finger painting with both hands Wind up toys with one hand winding and other holding the toy Threading Drawing with both hands Always place item in the middle Hand Dominance

Pencil Grasp

Use thick pencils / crayons Triangular pencils / crayons Prompting A note about pencil grips: not always effective A note about textas: child does not have to work as hard Pencil Grasp

Pre-writing Skills Pre-writing shapes that make up the letters as preparation for forming letters Drawing real life things – i.e. people, houses, animals Mazes and dot to dots to develop pencil control Colouring-in

Regulating energy to sit and listen Opportunities to work independently and organise their own belongings Visual schedule - pictures Park / play equipment before and after school and other sensory activities Sleep, eat, drink Time for play Attention

Academic Skills Shapes Number and counting Colour recognition Sounds Alphabet

Self-care Skills Independence!!! Getting dressed with minimal assistance Toilet trained Getting ready for school – packing bag, remembering library bag, homework book etc. Responsibility at home – setting table, making bed, house jobs / chores

Questions?