Three skills your child should master at primary school

The Skills in primary school That Matter Most

By Sue Wakefield-Gray, Head of Department, and Chelsea Wilson, Head of Early Years at ACS International School Hillingdon

As parents, we want our children to grow into confident, capable adults ready to take on the challenges of the future. But what can we do today to help them succeed tomorrow? The answer lies in focusing on three foundational primary school skills: problem-solving, collaboration, and independence. Here’s how you can nurture these in your child, setting them up for success in school and beyond.

1. Problem-Solving: The Power to Navigate Challenges

Life doesn’t come with a manual, and teaching children to tackle challenges is one of the greatest gifts you can give them. At school, problem-solving often involves collaborative projects or imaginative tasks, like planning a tea party where students handle everything from designing menus to serving guests. These activities are vital in shaping their primary school skills.

You can foster problem-solving at home by involving your child in everyday challenges. Let them help figure out the best route to a new location, choose recipes for a family meal, or troubleshoot when something doesn’t go as planned. When setbacks arise, resist the urge to step in immediately. Instead, ask questions like, “What have you tried so far?” or “What other options could we explore?” This approach builds resilience and resourcefulness—key primary school skills that will benefit them for life.

2. Collaboration: Building Teamwork for Tomorrow

Teamwork is more than just a buzzword — it’s a critical life skill. Research shows that communication and collaboration are among the top traits employers look for in the workforce. Primary school classrooms encourage these primary school skills through group projects where children learn to share ideas, divide tasks, and resolve conflicts.

As a parent, you can nurture collaboration by encouraging cooperative play. Board games, shared chores, or organising playdates with group activities can help children practice working together. Celebrate their ability to listen to others’ ideas or compromise to solve a problem, reinforcing that success often depends on teamwork. These experiences help build essential primary school skills that lay the groundwork for future success.

3. Independence: Confidence in Their Own Abilities

Teaching children to manage their own responsibilities builds confidence and self-reliance. In school, teachers support this by encouraging students to pack their bags, organise materials, or complete tasks without constant reminders. These everyday habits are key components of primary school skills.

At home, you can instil independence by giving kids age-appropriate responsibilities. For younger children, this might mean setting the table or tidying their toys. For older ones, it could involve managing their homework schedule or preparing their lunch. Offer guidance initially, but step back as they become more capable. Remind them that mistakes are okay and an essential part of learning.

Why Start Developing Primary School Skills Early?

These skills aren’t just “nice to haves” — they form the foundation for a growth mindset, adaptability, and resilience. By starting early, we give children the tools they need to thrive in an ever-changing world. And as parents, we can take pride in knowing we’ve given them the best possible start.

With a little guidance and a lot of encouragement, your child can develop these essential primary school skills, setting the stage for a fulfilling future.