Starting school is one of the most exciting and anxious milestones in a child's life. A whole new world of friends, adventures and discoveries is waiting for them, and this summer is the perfect time to get them ready for it.
The brilliant news? Getting Reception ready doesn't need to feel like homework. No flashcards, no workbooks, no pressure. The things that make the biggest difference are the simplest, and most of them can be built through play.
Here's our Binky guide to a gentle, playful and completely stress-free approach to getting your little one ready for their biggest adventure yet.
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1. Help them recognise their name 🔤
Start pointing out your child's name wherever you can, on their lunchbox, their bedroom door and their artwork. The more they see it, the more familiar it becomes. Spotting their name on their peg on day one gives them a lovely little confidence boost right from the start.
Let them sign every piece of artwork they make this summer; it's the most natural way to practise, and they'll absolutely love it.
Binky pick: A Djeco craft kit gives them something brilliant to put their name to every single time.
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2. Build fine motor skills through play ✏️
Fine motor skills are the small hand and finger movements children eventually use for writing. And the best way to build them is through play, not practice.
Crafting, colouring, threading beads, rolling playdough, peeling stickers- every single one of these is doing exactly the right work. Think of it as secret writing practice that feels like the best afternoon ever.
Binky pick: We love Rex London stitching and stamp sets. As is a good roll of playdough and a handful of loose parts.
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3. Practise getting dressed independently 👟
School days involve a lot of dressing and undressing, and children who can manage this on their own feel confident and capable from day one.
Practise coats and shoes over the summer until they've got it. Velcro shoes are absolutely fine for Reception. The goal is confidence, not laces; save those for later.
Play tip: A dressing up box is secretly one of the most useful things you can add to your summer. Children will happily put on and take off costumes all afternoon without realising they're building a brilliant life skill.
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4. Toilet independence 🚿
This one is worth a mention simply because it makes such a difference to how confident and settled a child feels at school.
Practise the full routine over the summer, going independently, managing their own clothing, washing and drying their hands. Keep it light and normal, and it'll feel like second nature by September.
Play tip: Role play is brilliant here. Let them look after a doll or soft toy, take them to the toilet, wash hands, get dressed together. It normalises the routine in the loveliest way.
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5. Practise sitting and listening 🎧
Reception involves story time, carpet time and group activities, and children who can sit and listen settle in so much more easily.
You don't need anything formal. A bedtime story, a simple board game or a Yoto Mini Player with a favourite audiobook, even ten minutes a day makes a real difference. It builds focus, self-regulation and the ability to wait their turn, all things that come with gentle, regular practice.
Binky pick: The Yoto Mini Player is brilliant for independent listening. Explore our card and board games; try P for Pizza or The Muddles.
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6. Talk about school with excitement 💛
Children pick up on our energy, so keeping conversations about school warm, positive and exciting goes a long way.
Play schools at home. Set up a pretend classroom, take turns being the teacher, talk about lunchtime and playtime and all the brilliant things that are coming. Books about starting school are wonderful for this too; they open up conversations in a way that feels safe and fun.
And remember, every child settles in their own time. Some skip in on day one. Some need a few weeks. Both are completely normal. Both are doing brilliantly.
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A note from Alexis...
The most important thing you can do this summer is give your child time and space to play. Every den they build, every craft they make, every game they play is getting them ready in the best possible way.
Trust them. Trust yourself. And enjoy every moment of this brilliant summer before the big adventure begins.
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