School Readiness
How Play Therapy Can Support School Readiness: A Guide for Parents
As parents, we all want our children to thrive when they start school. The transition from home or early childhood education to the more structured environment of school can be both exciting and challenging for young children. School readiness is about more than just knowing letters and numbers; it's also about emotional and social preparedness. Play Therapy can be a powerful tool in helping children develop these crucial skills, making the transition to school smoother and more positive.
Who Can Benefit from Play Therapy?
Play Therapy is particularly beneficial for children who may face challenges with school readiness. This includes children who are:
Experiencing Anxiety: The thought of starting school can be overwhelming for some children. Through Play Therapy, children can express their fears and anxieties in a safe and supportive environment. This therapeutic process helps them build confidence and develop coping strategies, reducing their overall anxiety.
Struggling with Social Skills: School is a social environment, and children who have difficulty interacting with peers may find the transition challenging. Play Therapy provides a space for children to practice social skills in a natural, play-based context.
Having Emotional Regulation Difficulties: Children who struggle to manage their emotions may have difficulty adjusting to the school setting. Play Therapy, grounded in the principles of Child-Centred Play Therapy (CCPT), allows children to explore and understand their emotions through play. This helps them learn how to identify and regulate their feelings and respond to new situations with greater resilience.
Dealing with Developmental Delays: For children with developmental delays, the expectations of school can feel daunting. Play Therapy offers a tailored approach that meets children where they are developmentally, supporting them as they work towards the emotional developmental milestones necessary for school readiness.
Adjusting to Life Changes: Significant life changes, such as a recent move, family separation, or the birth of a sibling, can impact a child's readiness for school. Play Therapy provides a therapeutic outlet where children can process these changes and build the emotional resilience needed for a successful school experience.
Let’s take a look at the ways that you can support your child’s emotional development and you support them during their transition to school;
Encourage Emotional Expression: Allow your child to express their feelings about starting school. Whether it's through drawing, storytelling, or play, giving your child the space to share their emotions can help them process any fears or excitement.
Support Social Skill Development: Engage in play that involves taking turns, sharing, and cooperating. These activities can be both fun and educational, helping your child develop the social skills they will need at school.
Model Emotional Regulation: Children learn by watching the adults in their lives. By modeling calm and regulated responses to stress, you can teach your child how to manage their own emotions effectively.
Foster a Positive School Experience: Talk positively about school, highlighting the fun and exciting aspects of learning. This helps to build your child's enthusiasm and confidence as they prepare for this new chapter.
Seek Professional Support When Needed: If your child is showing signs of anxiety, difficulty with social skills, or other challenges related to school readiness, consider seeking the support of a Play Therapist. At Inspiring Play: Child and Family Play Therapy Sunshine Coast, we offer compassionate, child-centred support tailored to your child's unique needs.
Play Therapy can be a valuable resource in helping children prepare for the transition to school. By supporting emotional regulation, social skills, and resilience, Play Therapy sets the foundation for a successful and enjoyable school experience. If you believe your child might benefit from additional support, please don't hesitate to reach out to us at Inspiring Play: Child and Family Play Therapy Sunshine Coast. We’re here to help your child embark on their school journey with confidence and joy.
Inspiring Play: Child & Family Play Therapy | Paediatric Allied Health Therapy | Sunshine Coast, Queensland
References
Landreth, G. L., & Nordling, W. J. (2006). Child Parent Relationship Therapy (CPRT) Treatment Manual: A 10-Session Filial Therapy Model for Training Parents. Routledge.
Ray, D. C. (2011). Advanced Play Therapy: Essential Conditions, Knowledge, and Skills for Child Practice. Routledge.
Siegel, D. J. (2012). The Whole-Brain Child: 12 Revolutionary Strategies to Nurture Your Child's Developing Mind. Bantam Books.
Kennedy, R. B. (2022). Good Inside: A Guide to Becoming the Parent You Want to Be. Harper Wave.