School Readiness

School readiness is a hot topic at the moment.

Parents are drilling their children with ABCs and 123s. Bedroom walls are plastered with educational posters. Even Peppa Pig gets in on the action, rehearsing numbers and letters.

But, is this really school readiness? And how can families participate and support their children in this important step?

When it comes to literacy and numeracy, we take a learning dispositions approach.  Our aim it to embed a love of learning, curiosity about the world and skills to follow strengths and passions.  We teach children to think!

At Sentia, we believe the single most important school readiness attribute is resilience.  Children need to be able to cope with adversity and bounce back from little mishaps.   

In addition, they need tools for communication and conflict resolution.  It is a very sudden jump from ratios of 1:11 at Kinder to 1:250 in some primary school playgrounds.  Children need the words to talk to friends and negotiate disagreements.  Here are some ideas on helping your child make and maintain healthy friendships: Raising Children

Last, but not least, is self- help and independence. We support children to manage toileting experiences, serve themselves water and food and keep personal belongings organised in their locker.

In a nutshell, letters and numbers are important. Children will develop these skills in their own way and time.  For now, we proudly (and a bit tearfully) hand over the Sentia graduates of 2019 to the wide, wonderful world of learning that awaits them at Primary School.