School Readiness: Helping Young Children Develop Skills for School
MagiKats Tutoring has supported an in-depth research project by FUNdamentally Children that looks at how parents, educators, and children’s brands can support early years development and the transition to starting school.
The findings have shown that social development is consistently rated as the most important factor for a child’s successful transition into school. Activities that promote communication and confidence all featured highly in the research, alongside familiarity with other children, play based learning and opportunities to practise turn taking.
The great news is that MagiKats Tutoring is focused on all the key elements featured in the research. Our small group workshops for maths and English don’t just cover subject skills, they also help grow confidence and social skills. We use interactive, engaging teaching methods that make learning fun and reinforce what’s being taught in the classroom.
Here’s how we work:
Small group working to encourage social interaction and collaborative working
A multi-sensory approach including interactive games, resources and activities to help develop problem solving and decision making
Positive hands-on support from an experienced mentor who helps to guide students and enhance listening and attention skills
Rewards and recognition for progress and good work to help boost confidence
Easy to follow home worksheets and a focus on core skills to support parents and reaffirm what’s taught during lessons for numeracy and literacy practice
Real-life feedback
A total of 2000 families with at least one child between the ages 5-8 were surveyed (1000 from the UK and 1000 from US) as part of the research. In addition, over 20 teachers and professionals were interviewed to get their own personal perspectives. Read the full findings here.
Understanding what supports children’s readiness for school
The highest rated benefit from UK respondents was ‘attending children’s activity sessions’, with ‘games/toys that encourage sharing or turn taking’ rated second and ‘games and toys that boost confidence’ rated third.
The research also found that the tools most effective in supporting children’s preparation for and transition into school tend to have a social element to them.
Developing communication and language skills
Many families highlighted that when it came to developing communication and language skills, more resources that boost children’s confidence, especially in speaking and listening, would be beneficial.
Parents and teachers alike recognised that resources that combine confidence-building with opportunities for social interaction are particularly effective.
Building confidence and fostering curiosity
Children who feel confident to try new things are better able to adapt to the unfamiliar routines of school. The study findings highlight that open-ended, child-led play is key for nurturing this curiosity and resilience. This could include storybooks about starting school, dress-up play and pretend classrooms that can help children anticipate new experiences, reducing anxiety and boosting self-belief.
Nurturing friendships and social skills
Social skills emerged as the strongest predictor of a smooth school transition. Knowing other children, attending activity groups and practising sharing and cooperation were rated especially highly and activities such as small group play that rewards teamwork can be really invaluable.
Independence and self-management
School readiness also involves your child managing basic routines and responsibilities such as packing their own bag for school or setting out clothes for the next day. Games that encourage decision-making and problem-solving can also help build confidence and a sense of autonomy.
Listening and attention skills
Teachers interviewed noted that listening and following instructions were one of the biggest challenges for children when starting school. Active listening games and storytelling with props and prompts are proven ways to strengthen these skills in a playful way.
Early numeracy and literacy awareness
Playful exposure to numbers and letters can build familiarity and motivation. Board games, counting games and spotting signs, menus etc. in your community all help as well as reading aloud daily and letting children read pictures and make up stories. The TV show and books ‘Numberblocks’ were also mentioned by several parents and talking about letter sounds through songs and rhymes were also highlighted.
How can MagiKats help your child as they enter Primary Education?
MagiKats is suitable for children from age 4 right up to when they leave school as each programme is tailored to a child’s age and ability. You can enrol in either our in person workshops or join remotely, engaging in our affordable weekly sessions in either Maths, English or both subject areas. Find your local centre and make an enquiry.
