Log Off, Tune In: Raising Emotionally Ready Kids Before Reception
Emotional literacy is a bigger predictor of school success than knowing letters or numbers – and it starts long before the classroom. When we talk about school readiness, we often focus on academic basics – counting to 10, recognising letters, writing their name But the quiet superpower that often gets overlooked?Emotional regulation. A child’s ability to recognise, manage and express their feelings is a stronger predictor of school success than early reading skills. And in today’s digital world – where swiping is easier than sitting with discomfort – building that inner resilience matters more than ever. What Is Emotional Regulation – And Why Does It Matter? Emotional regulation is a child’s ability to: These are the skills that allow children to thrive in group settings, solve problems, and form secure relationships with peers and teachers. Without them, even the brightest child can struggle in the classroom. How Screens Are Short-Circuiting Emotional Growth We live in a world of instant gratification. When children get bored, frustrated, or upset, it’s tempting to hand over a device. And sometimes, that’s okay. But when screens become a child’s primary coping tool, they don’t get to practise the skills they’ll need in real life: Digital devices soothe the symptom, not the system. And if we’re not careful, we raise children who can swipe through apps but struggle to sit with themselves. 6 Ways to Build Emotional Resilience Before School Starts Whether you’re a parent, teacher or nursery practitioner, you can help children build the emotional toolkit they’ll carry into Reception – and beyond. 1. Name the Feeling Start with emotional literacy.Help children put words to what they’re experiencing: “You’re really cross because the game stopped.”“That’s a sad face – did something feel unfair?” This helps reduce overwhelm and builds self-awareness. 2. Use Storybooks as Emotional Mirrors Children relate to characters. Use books where characters feel frustrated, worried, jealous, left out – and talk about it. Ask: Stories open doors to deep emotional conversations. 3. Practise Calming Strategies When Calm Teach children what helps them feel better – not just in the moment, but before the meltdown. Try: Rehearse these tools when they’re feeling good – not in the middle of a meltdown. 4. Let Them Feel It – Don’t Rush to Fix It When children are upset, it’s tempting to distract or fix it quickly – often with a screen. But sitting with them through it builds tolerance and connection: “It’s okay to be upset. I’m here with you. Take your time.” They learn that feelings pass – and they’re not alone. 5. Keep Screen Time Calm and Conscious Tech can be part of a balanced life – but not the crutch for every emotional wobble. 6. Model What You Want to See Children copy how we deal with stress.If we name our feelings (“I’m a bit tired today – I need a walk”) and use healthy strategies, they will too. We don’t need to be perfect. We just need to be real. For Parents: Regulate First, Then Educate You don’t need to rush into phonics and flashcards.If your child knows how to: Children can’t learn when they’re dysregulated. Emotional readiness is the real first lesson. For Nurseries and Professionals: Prioritise Feelings, Not Just Funding In early years settings, there’s often pressure to track learning outcomes. But emotional wellbeing must remain the priority. Give children: The most powerful ‘intervention’ is always connection. Let’s Raise Children Who Can Sit With Sadness and Celebrate Joy Children entering school today face a fast-paced world.We can’t protect them from every wobble — but we can equip them to handle life’s ups and downs with confidence and calm. So let’s put emotional resilience at the centre of school readiness.Because a child who can manage their emotions is a child who is ready to learn. 🎒 Want to Nurture Emotionally Resilient Children in a Screen-Saturated World? The Navigating the Digital Jungle School Readiness Toolkit is filled with printable resources and play-based activities to help children: ✅ Build emotional intelligence✅ Learn calming strategies✅ Navigate tech mindfully Whether you’re a parent, nursery, or early years professional, this toolkit gives you screen-savvy support with real-life emotional growth. 👉 Get it here and start the journey today
Before children are ready for school, they need time to splash, squish, dig, dance and imagine. Not swipe.
Building Brains Through Play – Why Messy, Hands-On Learning Beats Apps In a world filled with educational apps and digital flashcards, it’s easy to believe that technology holds the key to early learning. But research — and centuries of childhood wisdom — tell a different story: Before children are ready for school, they must first be ready for life. And the best preparation for life? Play. Messy, creative, real-world play. It’s how children build their bodies, their brains, their social skills, and their confidence. No app can match the power of puddle-jumping, block-building, paint-splattering exploration. Let’s explore why hands-on play is the gold standard for early learning — and what nurseries, teachers, parents and professionals can do to protect and promote it in the digital age. Why Play Is Still the Ultimate Learning Tool Here’s what happens when a child engages in unstructured, real-world play: These are not “soft” skills. They are the foundation of school readiness — and life readiness. And they can’t be rushed. They must be lived, felt, repeated and experienced in the real world. The Trouble With Swapping Play for Screens Of course, not all screen time is harmful. But here’s what we know: The more time young children spend in front of screens, the less time they spend in deep, embodied learning experiences. Screens can shortcut some surface-level knowledge (like numbers or colours), but they bypass the rich, multi-sensory learning that helps children make meaning. Children need to move to learn. They need to touch, hear, smell, climb, test, fall, and try again.An app that teaches the word “mud” is not the same as squelching in it. When we over-rely on screens to “teach,” we rob children of the messy, magical process of learning by doing. 5 Ways to Champion Real Play in a Tech-Heavy World Whether you’re a parent, early years professional, or teacher, you can help shift the balance back to play. 1. Say Yes to Mess Play isn’t always tidy. But it is always meaningful. 2. Value Play as Real Learning Shift the narrative. Play isn’t just a “break” from learning. It is the learning. 3. Create Screen-Free Zones for Deep Play Where possible, keep screens out of play spaces. 4. Offer Open-Ended Materials Loose parts play is a goldmine for creativity. 5. Be Present, Not Perfect You don’t need to set up elaborate activities. Sometimes the most powerful play happens when adults simply sit alongside, narrate, wonder aloud, or join in. Children crave connection. And connection deepens learning. For Parents: Ditching the Guilt and Embracing the Mud Many parents feel pressure to offer “educational” apps or feel guilty if their child isn’t practicing letters by age four. Let this article reassure you: If your child is pouring water between cups, balancing on logs, building towers from cushions, and hosting teddy bear picnics — they are learning. Deeply. Brilliantly. Joyfully. Don’t worry about the alphabet apps. Worry about whether your child has enough time, space, and freedom to play without a password. School Readiness Begins in the Sandpit, Not on the Screen When we prioritise hands-on, real-world play, we do more than prepare children for school. We prepare them for life. We help them: And we send a powerful message: You are not a passive consumer. You are a capable, curious, imaginative learner. Want to Give Children the Strongest Start – Beyond the Screen? 🎒 The Sue Atkins School Readiness Toolkit is packed with screen-free, brain-building, play-based activities and advice for children aged 3–6.It’s everything you need to prepare children for school without over-relying on devices. ✅ Includes printable resources, tech-balance tips, and expert insight for parents, nurseries, and early years educators. ✨ Start your school readiness journey today – filled with mud pies, giggles, and growing brains. 👉 Explore the Toolkit Here
