Starting school is a big step for young children and their families. Many parents wonder what they should be teaching before day one, or whether their child is ready. At Prosper Kids, we often remind families that school readiness is not about worksheets or early academics. It is about building strong foundations for communication, confidence, attention and social interaction, and play is one of the most powerful ways to do this.
Play allows your child to practise skills in a way that feels safe, motivating and meaningful. Through everyday play, your child explores language, learns how to interact with others and develops the flexibility they will use in the classroom. Families across Perth, including Booragoon, Canning Vale and Stirling, can support school readiness at home through simple, fun activities that fit naturally into daily life.
What play activities help prepare a child for school in Perth?
Many of the best school readiness activities are already part of your child’s day. Pretend play, such as playing shops, schools or families, supports imagination, vocabulary and turn-taking. When children take on roles, they practise using language for different purposes and learn how conversations flow.
Games with simple rules, like board games or card games, help your child practise listening, waiting, following instructions and coping with winning or losing. These skills are often needed in group learning environments. Think of games like snap, memory, and snakes and ladders.
Puzzles, construction toys and drawing activities support problem-solving, attention and fine motor skills. Shared book reading is another powerful play-based activity. Talking about pictures, predicting what might happen next and retelling stories all support early literacy and oral language skills in a relaxed way.
How does play support language development before school?
Play creates natural opportunities for your child to hear, practise and experiment with language. During play, your child learns new words, combines ideas into sentences and uses language to ask questions, negotiate and express emotions.
For example, building with blocks might involve talking about size, position and planning. Pretend play encourages storytelling and sequencing, which are important foundations for later learning. Even simple games like singing songs or playing with action figures can support listening skills and understanding of instructions.
From a neuroaffirming perspective, it is important to recognise that children communicate in different ways and at different paces. Play allows children to engage using their strengths, whether that is movement, creativity, visuals or words.
What skills does my child need before starting school in Perth?
School readiness includes a range of skills that develop over time. Communication skills, such as understanding instructions and expressing needs, help children participate in classroom routines. Social skills, including taking turns, playing alongside others and asking for help, support positive relationships.
Attention, emotional regulation and independence are also important. This might look like being able to stay with an activity for a short time, manage transitions with support, or practise simple self-care tasks. These skills do not develop all at once, and they are best supported through everyday experiences rather than formal teaching.
How can parents in Perth support school readiness at home?
Parents and caregivers play a key role in supporting school readiness through connection and shared activities. Talking with your child during routines, such as meals or bath time, helps build language in meaningful contexts. Following your child’s interests during play can increase engagement and confidence.
Keeping play relaxed and pressure-free is important. Children do not need to sit still or complete tasks perfectly to be learning. Instead, offering encouragement, modelling language and enjoying time together helps your child feel safe to explore and try new things.
If you are looking for additional guidance, a Speech Pathologist can help families understand how play supports communication and how to adapt activities to suit a child’s individual needs. You can learn more at Prosper Kids or contact our team on 08 6381 0071 to book an appointment.
When should I seek support for school readiness in Perth?
Every child develops differently, and there is a wide range of what is considered typical. Some families seek support if they notice their child is having difficulty understanding language, expressing themselves, interacting with peers or engaging in play.
Seeking support does not mean something is wrong. It can simply be a way to better understand your child and feel confident supporting them as they approach school. Our speech pathologists at Prosper Kids work alongside families in Booragoon, Canning Vale and Stirling to provide guidance and support around communication and school readiness. You can learn more at Prosper Kids or contact our team on 08 6381 0071 to book an appointment.
Supporting school readiness through play in Perth
Play is a powerful foundation for learning. Through fun, everyday activities, children build the communication, social and emotional skills they will use at school and beyond. By focusing on connection and play, families across Perth can support school readiness in a way that feels enjoyable and respectful of each child’s individuality.