Starting kindy is a big milestone for young children, and for parents too. It marks the beginning of more formal learning, new routines, and greater social interaction. As Speech Pathologists, we’re often asked by parents whether their child is truly ready for the language and communication demands of the first year of big school.
You might be wondering:
“Will my child be able to understand what the teacher says?”
“Can they express their needs clearly?”
“Are they ready to make friends and join in group activities?”
Let’s explore what “kindy readiness” looks like from a communication and language development point of view.
What does Kindy readiness mean in terms of speech and language?
Kindy readiness goes beyond age, it’s about whether a child has developed the foundational communication skills that help them engage, learn, and interact in a classroom setting.
From a Speech Pathologist’s perspective, kindy readiness often includes the following developmental areas:
1. Understanding and using language (receptive & expressive language)
- Following instructions (single and multi-step)
- Understanding basic concepts (e.g. colours, size, position words like “under” or “next to”)
- Expressing needs, ideas, and feelings using clear words and sentences
- Asking and answering questions
Children need strong receptive (understanding) and expressive (speaking) language skills to engage in learning and play. If a child finds it hard to follow directions or tell others what they need, this can impact their confidence and classroom participation.
2. Speech clarity (articulation & speech sounds)
Being understood by both familiar and unfamiliar people
Using age-appropriate speech sounds
Speaking in complete, clear sentences
It’s normal for young children to make some sound errors, but by the time they start kindy, most of what they say should be understandable to those outside the family. If your child’s speech is hard to follow, it could affect their ability to form friendships or fully participate in class.
3. Social communication (pragmatics)
- Taking turns in conversation
- Using appropriate eye contact and body language
- Understanding social rules (e.g. waiting their turn, staying on topic)
- Playing cooperatively with other children
Kindy involves lots of group play and interaction. A child needs to be able to connect with others, share ideas, and respond appropriately in different social settings.
4. Listening and attention
- Sitting and listening during story time or mat time
- Focusing on tasks for increasing periods
- Filtering out distractions in a busy environment
Speech Pathologists often support children who struggle to stay focused or follow along in group settings. These skills are closely linked to language processing and comprehension.
5. Early literacy skills
- Recognising and naming some letters or sounds
- Enjoying books and engaging in storytelling
- Understanding that print carries meaning
Strong oral language skills lay the foundation for reading and writing. Difficulties with vocabulary, sentence structure, or storytelling can make early literacy more challenging.
How can a Speech Pathologist help?
If you’re unsure whether your child is ready for kindy from a communication perspective, a Speech Pathologist can help identify strengths and areas for support.
Here’s how we can assist:
Communication & language assessments
We assess your child’s speech, language, and social communication to understand where they’re at developmentally. If there are concerns, early intervention can make a big difference.
Individual therapy plans
If your child needs help in certain areas, like speech clarity, following instructions, or expressing themselves, we’ll create a tailored therapy plan to build those skills in a fun, supportive way.
Kindy readiness programs
Some Speech Pathologists offer small group or 1:1 school readiness sessions, focusing on language development, turn-taking, listening, following routines, and more.
Parent coaching and home support
We’ll work with you to support your child at home through games, books, and everyday routines. You’ll learn simple strategies to build communication skills naturally throughout the day.
When should I be concerned?
You might consider a Speech Pathology assessment if your child:
- Is hard to understand for their age
- Struggles to follow instructions or answer questions
- Has a limited vocabulary or short sentences
- Doesn’t play or talk with other children
- Has difficulty taking turns or staying on topic
- Shows frustration when trying to communicate
What can I do at home to support my child’s Kindy readiness?
Here are some simple, speechie-approved ideas:
Read together daily – talk about the pictures, ask questions, and encourage your child to retell the story.
Encourage conversation – let your child make choices, tell you about their day, or explain how something works.
Play turn-taking games – board games, puzzles, or pretend play help build social and language skills.
Model clear speech – repeat back what your child says, adding in correct grammar or new vocabulary.
Talk about emotions and routines – this builds both social and language understanding.
Ready to support your child’s communication?
At Prosper Kids, our experienced Speech Pathologists in Perth are here to support your child’s transition to kindy with speech assessments, therapy, and guidance tailored to your family.
If you’re wondering whether your child’s communication skills are ready for the kindy leap, don’t hesitate to reach out. Early support builds confidence, capability, and a love for learning.
Contact us today to book an assessment or chat with our team.
Let’s work together to help your child feel confident, connected, and kindy-ready!