#31 Is your child ready for school? Will they be successful? Unpacking all the essentials

Episode Summary: In this episode, Lizzy Dawson, and Emily Mackie, dive into the topic of school readiness. With their combined 30 years of experience working with children, they share insights, strategies, and research-based tips to prepare kids for the transition to formal schooling. Whether you're a parent, clinician, or educator, this episode is packed with valuable information to ensure children are socially, emotionally, and practically ready to thrive in school. Key Takeaways: 1. School Readiness vs. School Preparation: School Readiness: Focuses on emotional and social skills, such as resilience, self-regulation, and independence. School Preparation: Includes academic skills like writing their name, counting, and recognizing letters and sounds. 2. Importance of Social and Emotional Skills: Key skills for success include managing emotions, problem-solving, conflict resolution, and communication. Social connections and emotional regulation create a foundation for academic learning. 3. Practical Skills to Develop: Independence in self-care (toileting, dressing, managing personal belongings). Fine motor skills (cutting with scissors, using a glue stick, and drawing). Gross motor skills (core strength and postural stability). 4. Pre-Literacy Skills: Recognizing sounds, syllables, and basic concepts like "top" and "bottom." Developing the ability to follow multi-step instructions and understand temporal concepts like "before" and "after." 5. Health and Medical Checks: Ensure children have up-to-date vision and hearing tests. Early intervention can prevent future learning barriers. 6. Individualized Decisions: Consider each child's unique development and personality when deciding on school readiness. Practical Tips for Parents and Clinicians: Incorporate play-based learning to build confidence and resilience. Encourage independence with tasks like opening lunchboxes or dressing. Focus on cognitive exercises to develop executive function and attention. Resources Mentioned: Lizzie and Emily's research-based courses for child development and pre-literacy. Preschool Language Acquisition (PLA) course for speech and language milestones. Connect with Us: Lizzy Dawson Website: www.lizzydawson.com.au Instagram:www.instagram.com/lizzydawson_ Emily Mackie Website: www.emilymackie.com.au Instagram: www.instagram.com/emilymackie.speechie Check out our courses and websites: www.lizzydawson.com.au www.emilymackie.com.au Follow us on Instagram: @movetalkthrive - www.instagram.com/movetalkthrive @lizzydawson_ - www.instagram.com/lizzydawson_ @emilymackie.speechie - https://www.instragram.com/emilymackie.spe... Youtube    / @move.talk.thrive