As my nephew is starting reception soon I thought I'd put together a few tips for Alice of things that her little one should ideally have got the hang of before starting school and being on his own. Use this as a guide for your little ones to tick off to prepare for school:

Self-care

• I know when to wash my hands
• I can wipe my nose
• I can ask for help if I don't feel well

Speaking & literacy

• I am interested in reading stories & looking at picture books
• I am able to talk about myself, my needs & feelings
• I am practising recognising my name when it's written down

Getting undressed & undressed on my own

• I can button & unbutton my clothes
• I can put my own shoes & socks on
• I can put my coat on and & use the zip

Interest in the world & new activities

• I enjoy learning about the world around me
• I am interested in exploring new activities or environments
• I like asking questions

Eating

• I can use a knife & fork
• I can open my packed lunch on my own
• I am confident at opening wrappers & packaging

Writing skills

• I like tracing patterns & colouring in 
• I enjoy experimenting wit different shaped scribbles
• I am practising holding a pencil

Going to the toilet

• I can go to the toilet on my own, wipe myself properly & flush
• I can wash & dry my hands without any help

Independence

• I am happy to be away from my mummy, daddy or my main carer
• I am happy to tidy my belongings & look after my things
• I am feeling confident about starting school

Listening & understanding

• I am able to sit still and listen for a short while
• I can follow instructions
• I understand the need to follow rules

Sharing & turn taking 

• I can share toys & take turns
• I can play games with others
• I can interest with other children

Counting skills

• I enjoy practising counting objects
• I like saying number rhymes & playing counting games
• I can recognise some numbers when they are written down

Routines

• I have practised putting on my uniform & getting ready to leave on time
• I have a good bedtime routine so I'm not feeling for school
• I'm learning to eat at the times I will on school days