Is your child ready for school?

School Readiness

The last year at home and pre school is a very busy time, which you are sure to be experiencing if you are reading this article. Before your child ventures out into the world of school you may stop and think and look at many things as you ensure your child is ready for school.

Some of the common questions we hear are:

Has my child reached all their developmental milestones?

How do I know my child is ready for school?

Is my child co-ordinated?

I think my child is clumsy, he seems to be tripping and falling over a lot, what do you think?

Is this a physical delay, is this a problem?

My suggestion is have a look at the list below and tick if your child can confidently do these physical tasks well. If you have any concerns after that, give us a call to make a time to come in and discuss your concerns and assess your child if needed.

• Able to walk with feet straight ahead, not turning in or out.
• Able to walk (or run) up and down stairs with one foot per step, not holding on.
• Climbs ladders, playground equipment and trees with agility.
• Able to stand, walk and run on tip toe.
• Able to turn around corners, people or obstacles while walking or running without stumbling or tripping.
• Able to ride tricycle like an expert and make sharp turns easily.
• Able to carry objects with confidence.
• Able to balance on one foot 10-30 seconds.
• Able to sit with knees crossed.
• Able to jump on the spot.
• Able to jump off objects.
• Is able to “gallop” or skip.
• Has good posture.
• Able to hop.
• Able to sit still, on chair or floor.
• Able to copy movements with arms and legs.

If your child is challenged with motor activities such as those on this checklist, give us a call to discuss an assessment time.

Issues impacting on school readiness

• seems clumsy or poorly coordinated
• frequently trips, or drops things
• prints or writes poorly, and with much effort
• has trouble with daily activities such as
  • handling utensils
  • catching a ball
  • cutting with scissors
  • tying shoelaces

• avoids participation in physical or motor based activities

If you have noticed any of these issues, have a look at our article on DCD on this website and call us on 1800  985 996 regarding a physiotherapy assessment and advice.

You can print out this checklist for your reference.

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