Is My Child Really Ready for School? Why Pencil Skills Start Long Before Letters

As September approaches, many parents begin to wonder: “Is my child actually ready for school?”

It’s a milestone filled with excitement, pride, and—quite understandably—a little uncertainty. Because starting Reception isn’t just about new uniforms and tiny bookbags. It’s about helping children feel confident, capable, and ready to join a whole new world of routines, friendships, and learning.

And here’s something most parents don’t realise:

School readiness has very little to do with reading early or tracing letters.

According to NHS guidance and early‑childhood development research, the strongest predictors of a smooth transition into Reception are independence, communication, emotional confidence, and physical development — especially the early motor skills that make writing possible.

That’s exactly why The Little Gym Chiswick is launching a brand‑new, two‑hour School Readiness & Handwriting Workshop, created in partnership with Aleks & Scribble the Squirrel.

Meet Aleks — Early‑Writing Specialist & Creator of “Handwriting Starts Before Letters”

Aleks is an early‑years educator, handwriting specialist, and the creator of the highly regarded Handwriting Starts Before Letters workshops. Her work is trusted by nurseries, teachers, and families across the UK, and her approach is grounded in child development research and the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).

Her philosophy is simple and refreshing:

“Before children can write, they must first move, explore, and understand their bodies.”

Through her playful character, Scribble the Squirrel, Aleks helps children build the foundations of handwriting in a way that feels joyful, not pressured. Her sessions focus on the essential pre‑writing movements — up, down, across, round and round — that children must master before they can form letters confidently.

We’re thrilled to bring her expertise, resources, and guidance directly into our workshop.

Why Pencil Skills Start With the Body

Before a child can hold a pencil correctly or write their name, they need:

• Strong core muscles to sit upright
• Stable shoulders and arms to control movement
• Hand strength for grip and pressure
• Fine‑motor coordination for accuracy
• Body awareness to understand direction (up, down, left, right)

This is why Aleks’ handwriting approach aligns beautifully with what we do at The Little Gym. Movement isn’t just fun it’s the foundation of early writing.

As her guide explains:

“Handwriting does not start with letters. It starts much earlier…

Before picking up a pencil, let them experience movement first.”

NHS early‑years guidance and academic research echo this: physical development is one of the strongest predictors of early writing success.

What This Workshop Focuses On

This two‑hour session is designed specifically for three‑year‑olds preparing for Reception, with a special emphasis on learning to hold and write with a pencil through movement‑based, play‑based activities.

Children will explore:

Pencil Grip Foundations

• How to hold a pencil comfortably
• How to control pressure
• How to stabilise the hand and wrist

Pre‑Writing Strokes

• Pulling down
• Pushing up
• Side‑to‑side
• Circles and curves
• Big‑movement mark‑making

Fine‑Motor Strength

• Playdough
• Threading
• Cutting
• Pinching and squeezing
• Sticker activities

Early Classroom Skills

• Listening
• Taking turns
• Following simple routines
• Sitting for short periods

Independence Skills

• Putting on a coat
• Managing belongings
• Opening lunchboxes
• Asking for help

Everything is designed to help children answer three essential questions:

1. Can I do it myself?
2. Can I join in?
3. Can I tell you what I need?

When children can do these things, and feel confident holding a pencil, they walk into school ready to thrive.

Ready to Help Your Child Feel Confident Holding a Pencil and Confident Starting School?

Our first School Readiness & Handwriting Workshop in partnership with Aleks & Scribble the Squirrel is now open for booking. Spaces are intentionally limited to keep the environment calm, nurturing, and personal.

Reserve your child’s spot

Learn more about school readiness

Give your child the gift of confidence — in their hands, their body, and themselves.