A talk on Wednesday from University of Wollongong school readiness expert Dr Lyn Cronin, will inform parents about what they can do to support their child's successful start to school, including academically, emotionally, socially and physically.

Dr Cronin will take an in-depth look at all aspects of the transition and provide practical advice on how to prepare for a positive and successful start to big school - for both the child and their family.

The March 11 talk is the first in the 2020 Early Start Speaker Series. It runs from 6-7.30pm in room 104 of building 67 in the main UOW campus.

Dr Cronin, a researcher and teacher in early childhood at UOW's Early Start and School of Education, specialising in transition to school and in literacy, said it was important to take a holistic approach to preparing for a child's first year of formal schooling.

She added knowing what being ready for school looks like for children and families, is a challenge.

"This may look different for all children and families and is dependent on the individual child, their particular context and that of the school," Dr Cronin said.

"Children have a successful start to school when they feel a sense of belonging to the school community, when they feel valued for who they are and what know and bring to their new school community."

She added that play was an important but often overlooked way for children to prepare for school.

"Children who are active in play, interact with others and have opportunities to explore and experiment with real materials. When children play, they use imagination and imitation which requires complex intellectual processes," Dr Cronin said.

"Play not only supports children intellectually, but socially, physically, creatively and their overall wellbeing."

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