A child’s ability to master reading and writing depends on several factors. The most important skill, however, is Phonological Awareness — the ability to understand that spoken language is made up of sentences, words, syllables, and sounds (phonemes). This skill must be well-developed before starting primary school. 🔍 How can I tell if my child has phonological awareness? Try this simple task: Say a word to your child sound by sound (e.g., /c/–/a/–/t/). Your child should be able to blend the sounds to form the word. Important: Do not use the names of the letters (e.g., “cee” or “ay”), but rather their phonetic sounds as heard in speech. If your child can easily blend even longer words (e.g., /t/–/e/–/a/–/c/–/h/–/e/–/r/), it’s a good sign of well-developed phonological awareness. ⚠️ If your child struggles: • It’s wise to assess their overall learning readiness • A preventive screening is recommended before entering first grade — something done systematically in many European countries • At Evlogon, we conduct standardized tests (such as the A-Test and Athena Test) to evaluate your child’s readiness Assessments can begin from age 5. Early detection of difficulties paves the way for targeted and effective support — and that makes all the difference. Maria Lazarou Speech and Language Therapist (SLP, BSc, M.A) Head of the Multidisciplinary Team at Evlogon

tarting Grade 1 is one of the most important milestones in a child’s life. A successful transition depends on a wide range of skills: emotional, social, language, mathematical, and motor. Below is a comprehensive guide with key indicators of readiness for Grade 1.

Emotional and Social Development

• Shows confidence and self-assurance

• Able to build satisfying relationships with other children and adults

• Works both independently and as part of a team

• Can concentrate, be patient while learning, and ask for help when needed

• Shows willingness to explore new things, take initiative, and solve simple practical problems

• Seeks independence in choosing activities, dressing, and personal hygiene

• Is sensitive to the needs and feelings of others and shows respect

• Waits for their turn and shares with others

• Can express emotions and behave accordingly

• Develops a sense of right and wrong, and understands why

• Shows care and concern for the environment, property, and living things

• Expresses a variety of emotions such as joy, sadness, and curiosity in response to life experiences

Language, Pre-Reading, and Pre-Writing Skills

• Listens attentively and talks about personal experiences in small and large groups

• Uses an expanding vocabulary to express thoughts more fluently

• Responds to stories, songs, and poems

• Creates stories and engages in role-play with confidence

• Enjoys books and handles them carefully

• Understands that words and pictures convey meaning and how we read in Greek

• Begins to link sounds with syllables, words, and letters

• Recognizes alphabet letters by shape and sound

• Uses writing and symbols to communicate meaning

• Can write their name correctly, with a capital letter at the beginning

Early Math Concepts

• Uses math-related language (e.g., circle, in front of, bigger than)

• Recognizes and reproduces patterns

• Applies mathematical thinking to solve practical problems

• Familiar with number games

• Sorts, matches, and counts using everyday objects

• Recognizes and uses numbers up to 10

• Understands and records numbers through activities

• Understands basic arithmetic such as addition and subtraction

General Knowledge and Understanding

• Talks about home, family, and events in the past and present

• Explores the environment, noting similarities, differences, and changes

• Asks questions to understand how things work

• Uses tools and materials purposefully

• Uses technology as a learning tool

Physical and Motor Development

• Moves with control and coordination

• Has spatial awareness

• Balances and climbs skillfully

• Handles materials and tools with increasing control

• Creates with imagination

• Responds to sensory input

• Uses imagination in art, music, dance, and play

Based on the Baseline Assessment Profiling by Warwickshire County Council