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A new study has revealed the essential elements parents feel are necessary for kids to make a smooth transition to primary school.
The national survey of Australian parents of children aged 12 or under conducted for online children’s reading program ABC Reading Eggs found that 76% of parents feel social confidence, followed by verbal confidence (61%), emotional maturity (58%) and a degree of reading ability (40%) are the top things that a child needs when it comes to school readiness.
Half of all parents surveyed (53%) believe competency in core skills can determine whether a child is ready to start school or not.
In addition to reading ability, 34% of parents feel some prior writing skills are needed, and 25% say a child should have some basic maths knowledge.
ABC Reading Eggs literacy consultant, Sara Leman, an experienced teacher and literacy specialist, believes it’s only natural for parents to be anxious about school readiness when it comes to ability.
“Understandably, many parents feel pressured to teach their child to read and write before starting school,” she said.
“However, these skills are not prerequisites. Teachers are generally more interested in knowing that the child is socially, emotionally and physically mature enough to handle school life.”
However, Leman said young children have an “incredible capacity” to learn new skills.
“I would certainly encourage parents to harness their child’s natural curiosity and enthusiasm, and to introduce them to some basic literacy skills before starting school,” she said.