During her many years as a successful New Entrant (Year 0/1) teacher, Colleen Young has been providing parents of pre-schoolers and New Entrants with many practical ideas to help with the transition to school. She developed an 'introduction to School' programme which gave parents an outline of the abilities and skills which five year olds should have when entering school. Now Colleen's programme is available to all parents through her book The Amazing Five Year Old: Getting ready for school. It is a practical book based on observations, practical experience and common sense. Little things do matter and parents can make a difference. The book looks at children's emotional, physical, intellectual and social needs during the first five years. This is not for a week or a month before they come to school; skill development throughout the first five years is so important. Skills need to be taught and practised with plenty of repetition which leads to success and satisfaction. Each step forward is a step towards entering school with a positive attitude.

Author Biography

Colleen Young is a retired teacher. She has taught five to twelve year olds for 35 years, with 22 years focussed on the first years of schooling. She was Deputy Principal at a large rural primary school for 17 years. Colleen holds an Advanced Diploma of Teaching.