How to Prepare Your 4-Year-Old for Kindergarten in Eastwood Schools

Starting School Soon? Here’s How to Prepare Your 4-Year-Old for Kindergarten in Eastwood

Starting “big school” is a major milestone for any child — and any parent. If your family lives in or near Eastwood, you might be wondering how to prepare your 4-year-old for kindergarten confidently.

The good news? With the right support, starting school can be a smooth and exciting transition. Here are 7 ways to prepare your child emotionally, socially, and practically.

1. Build Routines That Feel Familiar

In kindergarten, children will follow a set daily routine. Start early by introducing:

• Regular wake-up and bedtimes

• Morning hygiene habits

• Meal times and snack packing

This helps your child feel more comfortable when the school day begins. They’ll know what to expect — and feel more in control.

2. Encourage Independence

Encourage your child to:

• Dress themselves

• Pack their bag

• Use the toilet without help

These small steps boost confidence and reduce anxiety on their first day of school.

3. Develop Listening and Communication Skills

In a kindergarten classroom, children will need to:

• Follow multi-step instructions

• Ask questions when unsure

• Take turns speaking

Support these skills through storytime, games like Simon Says, and family conversations at the dinner table.

4. Support Emotional Readiness

Talk about feelings. Use books, role-play, or puppets to explore emotions like nervousness, excitement, or frustration. Teach your child to name their feelings and seek help when needed.

This emotional literacy will help them form healthy relationships at school.

5. Visit the School Area

If you live in Eastwood, take a walk past the school together. Attend open days or orientation events if available. If your child will be joining Imaginations Preschool Marsfield before school, our preschool program already integrates school-like routines and group learning.

6. Encourage Social Play

Arrange playdates or group activities to practise:

• Sharing

• Waiting turns

• Problem-solving with peers

At our Marsfield centre, we use play-based methods to build these important social skills in every age group.

7. Foster Curiosity and Love of Learning

Read books every day. Explore nature. Let them ask “why” as often as they want. When children are curious, they arrive at school ready to learn — not just academically, but with confidence and joy.

Local Support for Eastwood Families

Imaginations Marsfield is just minutes from Eastwood. Many of our preschool graduates transition into local primary schools, and we work closely with families to support each child’s learning journey.

Our bilingual preschool program encourages:

• School readiness

• Language development

• Social confidence

We welcome families from Eastwood, Marsfield, North Ryde, and Macquarie Park.

Trusted Guidance Backed by Experts

The NSW Department of Education recommends helping children feel secure, confident, and curious before starting school. These are exactly the traits that play-based, community-focused early learning centres help develop.

At Imaginations Marsfield, we follow the EYLF (Early Years Learning Framework) to support each child’s identity, wellbeing, and readiness to thrive.

Book a Tour Today

Want to know how Imaginations Marsfield can support your child before kindergarten?

📍 Just minutes from Eastwood schools
📅 Book a tour with our experienced educators