Dr Amanda Gummer on School Readiness

Dr Amanda Gummer is a Play Expert and child psychologist. Dr Gummer has a PhD in Neuropsychology, a postgraduate certificate in Higher Education and over 20 years’ experience working with children and families. She runs FUNdamentally Children and founded the Good Play Guide in 2012 to provide an independent, expert accreditation service for children’s play-based  products. She is also the Chair of the Association of Play Industries.

Dr Gummer is widely considered as the UK’s go-to expert on play, toys and child development and can be seen regularly in the media, including BBC News, Sky News, The Daily Mail and many more, offering advice on news stories and issues surrounding children, families and child development.

This essential interview with Dr Gummer reveals practical solutions to help children thrive when starting school. Based on her latest research with parents, teachers, and children themselves, she shares specific strategies and resources that address the real challenges facing today’s school starters – from building core stability and social skills to developing communication confidence and emotional resilience.

In this episode you’ll:

• Discover why many children struggle with basic skills like sitting still and taking turns, and the simple activities that can help
• Learn how the pandemic has uniquely affected this generation of school starters and what it means for their development
• Understand the surprising power of sign language in building children’s confidence and reducing frustration tantrums
• Find out which specific toys and activities best prepare children for the social and emotional demands of school
• Hear what children themselves say they need most when starting school – and it’s not what you might expect

Watch this interview to discover evidence-based strategies that support both children’s school readiness and parental confidence during this crucial transition.

Episode Links:

https://www.goodplayguide.com/

https://www.goodplayguide.com/blog/

https://www.goodplayguide.com/school-readiness/

https://www.facebook.com/GoodPlayGuide

https://www.instagram.com/goodplayguide