Is Your Child Ready for School? The 5 Key Skills That Matter Most
A supportive guide for families with children aged 3–5 years.
If you’ve ever found yourself Googling “What should my child know before starting school?”, you’re not alone. As the start of school draws closer, it’s natural to wonder whether your child is ready—and how you can best support them.
At Papilio Early Learning, we believe school readiness is about more than just academic knowledge. It’s about helping children feel secure, capable, and confident as they take that exciting next step.
So what does being school-ready really look like? Here are five key skill areas that make a meaningful difference in helping children start school with confidence.
Dance Like Nobody’s Watching: How Movement Nurtures Confidence in Young Children
Wellness on a Plate: Immune-Boosting Zucchini Slice Recipe
As we head into the cooler months, there’s nothing more comforting than a home-cooked meal that not only tastes great but also supports your child’s wellbeing. At Papilio Early Learning, our seasonal menu is carefully crafted to nourish growing bodies and minds—and this Zucchini Slice is a favourite among our little learners.
Start Your Own Little Garden at Home: Beautiful Beginnings for Budding Eco-Learners
Celebrate Earth Day with hands-on nature play and a touch of everyday magic!
With Earth Day just around the corner on 22 April, now is the perfect time to slow down, get your hands a little dirty, and connect with your child through nature-based learning — starting with your very own home garden.
At Papilio Early Learning, we understand that small, everyday experiences — like planting seeds or watching a flower bloom — can spark a deep love of learning and an early appreciation for our planet. While not all of our centres have gardens, many offer meaningful sustainability experiences that support children’s curiosity and sense of responsibility.
Little Bodies, Big Energy: How Papilio Supports Movement and Physical Development
FREE MOVEMENT MOMENTS DOWNLOAD! If your toddler seems to have boundless energy or your preschooler moves like they’re auditioning for a gymnastics show – you’re in good company.
At Papilio Early Learning, we understand that movement is more than just a way for young children to burn off steam – it’s a vital part of how they grow, learn, and build confidence. That’s why we’ve created a free Movement Moments cheat sheet for parents – an easy-to-use printable with quick, low-prep ideas you can pop on the fridge to support your child’s development at home. You’ll find the download further down in this post.
From baby steps to bold leaps, every wiggle and wobble helps your child develop coordination, strength, and essential brain connections.
Building Emotionally Resilient Children: How Papilio Supports Mental Health in the Early Years
Whether it’s a quiet cuddle at drop-off, a big smile after making a new friend, or a moment of pride as your child says, “I did it!” – early childhood is full of big feelings.
At Papilio Early Learning, we see these everyday moments for what they truly are: powerful opportunities to support each child’s emotional development. That’s why nurturing mental health and wellbeing is woven into everything we do – from our curriculum, to our classrooms, to the caring relationships we build every day.
Pumpkin, Lentil and Pasta Soup Recipe: A Papilio Family Favourite
At Papilio Early Learning, we believe nutrition is the foundation for lifelong wellbeing—especially in the vital early years, when children are developing rapidly. That’s why our seasonal menus are designed to support the health, growth, and learning of children under five through balanced, nourishing meals.
Healthy Habits Start Early: How Papilio Nurtures Your Child’s Wellbeing
Celebrating World Health Day – 7 April
At Papilio Early Learning, we know that a child’s wellbeing is the foundation for lifelong learning. That’s why, in honour of World Health Day (7 April), we’re celebrating the small but meaningful ways our educators help children build healthy habits every single day.
Through nourishing meals, joyful movement, and emotional support, we nurture the whole child—because a healthy child is a happy, curious learner.
Celebrate the Long Weekend with Thoughtful, Nature-Inspired Easter Activities
The Easter long weekend is a wonderful opportunity to slow down, reconnect with your child, and embrace the beauty of autumn. Whether your family celebrates Easter or simply enjoys the chance to spend time together, these thoughtfully crafted activity ideas are perfect for curious young minds and growing imaginations.
At Papilio Early Learning, we believe that high-quality early education extends beyond the classroom. When families engage in meaningful play together, children flourish—emotionally, socially, and developmentally.
Autumn Sensory Play: Engaging Your Child in Nature’s Seasonal Changes
As the days become cooler and the leaves begin to change, autumn offers the perfect opportunity for sensory exploration. At Papilio Early Learning, we believe that sensory play is not only fun but also vital for a child’s early development. Aligned with our Lifelong Learning Curriculum, which is research-backed and the most advanced early childhood education approach in Australia, our play-based learning experiences help children build essential skills while engaging with nature.