Starting school is a major milestone for young children and their families. To help ease this transition, a coalition of top education and childcare experts in the uk has outlined 29 essential skills that children should develop before beginning reception as developed before starting school. These skills, divided into four key pillars, focus on fostering independence, communication, physical development, and healthy routines.
At Edx Education, we believe that play-based learning is the best way to support children in mastering these skills. By incorporating educational toys and hands-on activities, parents and caregivers can help children develop confidence and essential life skills while having fun.
The Four Pillars of School Readiness & How Edx Education Toys Can Help
1. Growing Independence
Encouraging children to take small steps towards self-sufficiency is vital for school readiness. Some key skills in this area include:
- Using the toilet independently
- Putting on their coat and shoes
- Tidying up after themselves
- Using cutlery at mealtimes
Edx Education Toys for Growing Independence:
- Rainbow Pebbles® – Strengthen fine motor skills needed for self-care tasks like fastening buttons and using cutlery by stacking, sorting, and grasping these colourful pebbles.
- Linking Cubes – Great for practicing hand-eye coordination and dexterity, helping children refine the skills needed for dressing themselves.
- Sand & Water Play Sets – Encourage self-directed exploration, pouring, scooping, and cleaning up after playtime.
2. Building Relationships and Communication
Developing strong social and emotional skills is essential for a smooth transition to school. This includes:
- Recognising their own name
- Taking turns and sharing
- Expressing feelings and needs
- Engaging in conversations with others
Edx Education Toys for Communication & Social Skills:
- Math Cubes & MyGears® – Playing together with building sets fosters cooperation, problem-solving, and conversation as children build structures and share ideas.
- Role Play Sets – Dolls, puppets, and pretend play toys help children express emotions, practice turn-taking, and build empathy.
- Dancing Ribbons – A fantastic way to encourage self-expression through movement while learning to take turns and listen to instructions.
- Number Rods – Group activities with number rods encourage discussions about numbers, colours, and patterns, reinforcing name recognition and early literacy.
3. Physical Development
Fine and gross motor skills are essential for early writing, self-care, and overall school readiness. Experts recommend children engage in at least three hours of physical activity per day to develop:
- Core strength and coordination
- Pencil grip for early writing
- Balance and spatial awareness
Edx Education Toys for Physical Development:
- Joey Jump – A fun way to practice gross motor skills by jumping and catching, improving coordination and balance.
- Active Play Sets – Climbing, balancing, and moving with our active play range supports physical confidence.
- Pattern Blocks & Geometric Shapes – Ideal for improving pencil grip, hand strength, and early pre-writing skills by tracing and arranging.
- Threading Beads & Lacing Activities – These refine finger control and dexterity, preparing little hands for holding pencils and using scissors.
4. Healthy Routines
Consistency in daily habits ensures a smooth transition to school. Essential healthy habits include:
- Brushing teeth twice a day
- Limiting screen time
- Following a bedtime routine
- Understanding the importance of healthy eating
Edx Education Toys for Healthy Routines:
- Play-Based Timers – Fun visual timers help children understand routines like brushing their teeth for two minutes.
- Cooking & Food Sorting Sets – Teach children about nutrition and meal prep while making healthy eating fun.
- Activity Mats & Sensory Play – Encouraging calm and mindfulness before bedtime through sensory activities.
Making School Readiness Fun with Play-Based Learning
Children learn best when they are engaged and having fun. By integrating Edx Education toys into daily routines, parents can effortlessly help their child develop the 29 key skills for school readiness. Through hands-on activities, movement, and social interaction, children build confidence in a natural and joyful way.
For more tips, free downloadable resources, and expert insights, listen to our Play, Learn & Create with Edx Education podcast or explore our range of educational toys designed to support early learning.
Let’s make learning through play the foundation for a lifetime of confidence and success!