What do you think is the most important skill for children to learn before starting school?

Starting school is a testing time for children and their parents and carers. But which of these skills do you think is most important in the pursuit of ‘school-readiness’?

  1. 38% said Knowing how and when to use the toilet
  2. 3% said Being able to get changed on their own for playtime and PE
  3. 7% said Being confident and unafraid to speak up
  4. 3% said Good literacy and numeracy skills
  5. 48% said The ability to listen and focus

Comments

Anonymous said on 26 August 2016

respect for authority, politeness and how to behave in a variety of situations.

Anonymous said on 20 August 2016

As well as having good social skills and good literacy and numeracy skills

Anonymous said on 16 July 2016

Listening and focus is a firm requirement to learn. As are many of the pointers in this survey. Too much distraction wobbles the mind.

Anonymous said on 8 July 2016

I was weighing up either selection of having good numeracy and literacy skills but really if they cannot focus and listen then they are really going to struggle, so being able to listen and focus is the most important I think.

Anonymous said on 17 May 2016

knowing how and when to use the toilet

Claire Hall said on 14 May 2016

Children need to be able to listen and focus before being able to learn in a classroom environment. These skills are needed BEFORE starting Primary school., but if i were to pick more than just one skill i would pick ALL the above!!

Marie Charlton said on 13 May 2016

Using the toilet is a very basic skill but if children are wet or dirty they cannot be expected to engage in any activities.