Concept of school readiness

Dr. Sajjad Saneeq MBBS, MD

Specialist Pediatrics

The pandemic has snatched our young minds precious school hours, now when the situation is made favorable for a return to school globally, are we still in doubt of sending to school? then we need to take a moment to see how our selfish decision going to hurt the innocent young kid’s future.

School entry follows an interactional relational model in which the focus is on the child, the environment, and the interactions therein. The educational process is reciprocal between the child and the school. The model is developmentally based as it recognizes the importance of early experiences for later development. Rather than delaying school entry high-quality early education programs is the key to ultimate school success.

The school makes increasing cognitive demands on the child, children are expected to attempt too many inputs at once.

The First 2-3 years of elementary school are devoted to acquiring fundamentals: reading, writing, and basic mathematical skills. By 3rd grade children need to sustain attention through a 45 mt period and expose to more complex tasks

The goal of reading a paragraph is no longer to decode the words but to understand the content. The goal of writing is no longer spelling or penmanship, but composition. Volume work increases with the complexity

Pediatricians and parents have an important role in preparing their patients/wards for school entrance by promoting health through immunizations, adequate nutrition, appropriate recreation, and screening for physical developmental, and cognitive disorders.

Pediatric providers promote 5 R of early education

1. Reading as a daily family activity

2. Rhyming, playing and cuddling together

3. Routines and regular times for meals play and sleep.

4. Reward through praise for successes

5. Reciprocal nurturing relationships.

   So let us all be part of this responsibility to send kids back to school.