What is School Readiness?
School readiness, in short, is a child's ability to start learning in school. It includes areas of physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development.
How is school readiness assessed in children?
The assessment of school readiness is mandatory for six-year-old children. By the end of October, the preschool group educator conducts an initial diagnosis based on observations and tasks performed by the children. Feedback is received on abilities and difficulties in the area of school readiness, exhibited by both the group as a whole and individually. The educator shares the initial diagnosis with the parents and gives them tips for home practice. By the end of April, a final diagnosis of school readiness is carried out. The educator must provide parents with the document "Information on the child's readiness to start learning in primary school." If the diagnosis is ambiguous or concerning, parents can visit a Psychological and Pedagogical Counseling Center for further examination and possible actions to improve the child's functioning. Visiting a state facility is free of charge.
What child skills are assessed?
Preschool education teachers use various tools to assess school readiness. The diagnosis aims to determine the level of a child's functioning in a given area. Individual tasks may vary depending on the tool used.
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In the aspect of physical development, we check:
a) Independence, e.g., if the child can dress/undress themselves, use cutlery, prepare for classes – open a book, bring necessary materials.
b) Motor skills, e.g., if the child performs balancing and alternating exercises, hits a target, runs without bumping into things, maintains proper body posture. -
In the aspect of socio-emotional development, we check:
a) Emotional development, e.g., if the child can recognize and name their own and others' emotions, ask for help.
b) Social development, e.g., if the child can work in a team, adhere to social norms and rules, and how they communicate with peers. -
In the aspect of cognitive development, we check:
a) Speech development, e.g., how the child constructs statements.
b) Visual perception, e.g., assembling a picture from parts, finding hidden images, identifying differences between pictures.
c) Memory and attention, e.g., if the child remembers the content of a poem, can retell a previously read text.
d) Logical thinking, e.g., arranging picture stories in a cause-and-effect sequence, explaining phenomena, drawing conclusions.
e) Creative thinking, e.g., creating artwork from available materials.
f) Mathematical reasoning, e.g., if the child can determine their own and other objects' positions, identify a number with the number of elements, know ordinal numbers, geometric shapes, and determine the result of addition and subtraction using concrete materials.
g) Preparation for writing and reading, e.g., if the child has a proper writing grip, traces letter-like signs correctly, divides words into syllables, identifies sounds at the beginning and end of words.
Can school readiness be developed?
Of course! Most skills can be practiced during daily play with the child. Physical activities, riding a bike, playing soccer will definitely improve the child's motor skills. Joint mathematical, linguistic, logical games, graphomotor exercises, puzzle assembly, sequencing will contribute to the child's cognitive development. Discussions about emotions, jointly setting rules will positively impact socio-emotional development. Dividing household chores, encouraging, and supporting the child to engage in activities will increase their self-belief and encourage independence.
Pedagogue Klaudia Sokołowska-Baryś for Marioinex Education
