From the perspective that here most children start school at 4: the skills most often mentioned as those that make the difference between success and not seem to be:
- ability to get self dressed and undressed (ideally alone, maybe with some help with top button, tie etc if those are compulsory - if you don't have school uniform to deal with, this is partly a question of choosing clothes wisely
- ability to go to the toilet without help, and willingness to ask when needs to go
- ability to sit quietly (perfectly still is not expected!) when asked to, e.g. to be read to in a group
- ability to listen and follow instructions.
The only academic skill that seems to be expected here at school start is ability to recognise own name.
Of course, if most children are starting much older, there may be higher expectations than those, but they are a start!
PS Naps seems to be something many parents worry about, but that is hardly ever an issue in practice, fwiw.
Last edited by ColinsMum; 07/10/14 10:22 AM. Reason: remark on naps
