What Should My Child Know Before Starting Grade 1 in the Czech Republic?

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Starting school is a big moment for every family, especially if you're living abroad. As a parent, you might be wondering: Is my child ready? What if they don’t know the language? What skills are actually expected in Czech schools? Let’s clarify what’s really important - and what isn’t.

What does Czech law say?

According to the Czech Education Act, children must start school the year they turn six, provided they are physically and mentally ready. This means readiness is not about academic performance, but about overall maturity: social, emotional, physical and cognitive.

If there are concerns about readiness, parents can apply for a one-year postponement (school deferral), with recommendations from a doctor and a pedagogical counseling center.

What does “school readiness” mean?

In Czech schools (and at Maple Bear), school readiness includes more than just knowing numbers and letters. It’s about how well a child can adapt to a school environment, follow instructions, work independently and manage basic self-care. Here are the key areas:

1. Physical readiness

• Good motor coordination (can catch a ball, use scissors),

• Can hold a pencil and draw shapes,

• Can sit and focus for about 20 minutes.

✅ Tip: Focus on everyday activities: drawing, using play-dough, playing with blocks.

2. Cognitive skills

• Can count up to 10 and compare quantities,

• Recognizes basic shapes, colors, and time concepts (yesterday/today/tomorrow),

• Knows basic personal info (name, age, possibly address).

✅ Important: Children do not need to know how to read or write before Grade 1.

3. Language and communication

• Can express themselves in full sentences (in any language),

• Understands basic instructions,

• Can describe a simple picture or retell a story.

✅ Tip: Don’t stress about perfect Czech or English - what matters most is the child’s ability to communicate and interact.

4. Social and emotional maturity

• Can separate from parents without distress,

• Is able to ask for help,

• Understands turn-taking and basic rules.

✅ Tip: A positive preschool experience or time in a group setting helps prepare for this.

5. Independence and self-care

• Dresses and eats independently,

• Uses the toilet without help,

• Can manage their belongings (e.g. pack their bag, tidy their workspace).

✅ Tip: Let your child practice small tasks at home - packing their bag, choosing clothes, setting the table.

What happens during the school enrollment ("zápis")?

In Czech schools, the enrollment process is more of a friendly interview than a test. A teacher might ask the child to draw, identify shapes or colors, or answer a few questions. The goal is simply to get to know the child and ensure they are ready to enter the school system.

At Maple Bear Brno, we ensure this process is stress-free, positive, and supportive.

Summary: What does a child really need to know?

Forget memorized knowledge or worksheets. What matters most is that your child is:

• curious and eager to learn,

• able to function in a group,

• emotionally ready for a new environment,

• and able to ask for help when needed.

Everything else - they’ll learn with us. ❤️