An Interview with Justine O’Grady, Director of Curriculum at Maple Bear
“Is my child really ready for elementary school?” – This is the question that appears in every parent’s mind as their preschooler approaches this important milestone.
Justine O’Grady, Director of Curriculum at Maple Bear Global Schools, explains what school readiness truly means and how the Canadian approach to education prepares children for success – not only academically, but above all emotionally and socially. The following interview was published in the official Maple Bear CEE magazine – The Bear, 2025 edition.
Key takeaways from the interview:
- School readiness is more than knowing letters and numbers – it’s about developing the whole child: social-emotional competencies, communication skills, and independence in daily activities
- Authentic bilingualism strengthens learning skills – children who use two languages develop better focus, memory, and mental flexibility, which translates into confidence in the classroom
- Not every child needs to read before starting school – early literacy is a process that unfolds differently for each child; what matters most is building a love of language through stories, conversations, and play
- Key social competencies are the ability to express needs, cooperate, and manage emotions – children who can ask for help, share materials, and accept setbacks succeed both in learning and in relationships with peers
- Parents support school readiness by building independence in daily activities – by allowing children to pack their own backpack, choose their clothes, or solve small problems, we develop their responsibility and self-confidence
Q: Parents often worry their child isn’t “ready enough” for elementary school. How do you define readiness?
A: Readiness is about more than knowing letters and numbers – it’s about nurturing the whole child. Social-emotional skills, such as sharing and managing emotions, communication skills, like expressing ideas, and self-help skills that build independence, are all key. At Maple Bear, our preschool program develops these foundations step by step through play, inquiry, and exploration. By the time children enter elementary, they don’t just “know” things – they feel confident and capable, ready to thrive in both learning and relationships.
Q: How does Maple Bear’s approach prepare children differently from traditional preschools?
A: Our Canadian approach focuses on building children’s confidence and identity as learners. We nurture curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving through inquiry and play. Children are encouraged to ask questions, test ideas, and reflect, helping them see themselves as active participants in learning.
Through meaningful, hands-on explorations, children learn to think critically, work collaboratively, and approach challenges with confidence. These foundations ensure they don’t just enter elementary “ready” – they step forward as capable, resilient learners prepared for life.
Q: Should parents worry if their child isn’t reading yet?
A: Not at all – reading readiness looks different for every child. Early literacy is not a single milestone but a progression of skills and understandings that unfold at different times for different learners. Some children may be able to sound out words early but lack comprehension of what those words mean. Others may deeply understand complex stories, themes, or characters, but are not yet ready to connect letters with sounds. Both are valid pathways in the journey toward becoming readers.
At Maple Bear, readiness grows from language-rich experiences. Through storytelling, dramatic play, songs, and conversations, children expand vocabulary, build comprehension, and develop a love of language that underpins strong reading.
Q: Which social skills help children thrive in elementary school?
A: One important social skill is the ability of children to vocalize concerns. Children who can ask for help when they’re confused, who can share their ideas, or who can express their needs clearly feel more confident and engaged in the classroom. Equally important is the development of cooperation skills – being able to share materials, take turns, and work together on group tasks. Another cornerstone is emotional regulation: the ability for children to manage disappointment and keep trying after mistakes. Together, these skills help children form positive relationships with teachers and peers, build resilience, and create a sense of happiness at school that supports their academic growth.
Q: How does learning two languages help children prepare for elementary school?
A: Bilingualism a foundation for strong learning skills. Children who use more than one language strengthen focus, memory, and adaptability. These skills support problem-solving, help them see challenges from different perspectives, and make it easier to adjust to new situations. In the classroom, this flexibility builds confidence and sets the stage for long-term success.
Q: How can parents help their child get ready for elementary school?
A: Encourage independence in everyday routines. Let children pack their backpack, choose clothes, or solve small problems-these moments build confidence and responsibility.
Reading together daily is also powerful. Share stories, talk about pictures, and enjoy the time. This builds vocabulary, imagination, and a love of learning.
Most importantly, trust your child’s unique pace of development. It’s natural for children to grow in different ways and at various times. By celebrating your child’s progress, you’re helping them step into school with confidence, curiosity, and a positive attitude toward learning.
Q: Do you have any final thoughts for parents who are feeling worried?
A: Starting elementary school is a big milestone, and it’s normal for children and parents to feel anxious. What matters most is not whether a child can already read or add, but whether they feel safe, supported, and excited about learning. Academic skills will come in time, but a child who feels secure and curious is already on the right path.
At Maple Bear, we put these qualities at the centre of everything we do. Through caring relationships, play, and rich language experiences, children build confidence and resilience. When parents and teachers work together to nurture belonging and joy, children don’t just adjust to school-they flourish, developing a lifelong love of learning.
Preschool to elementary readiness milestones
Every child develops at their own pace. These milestones are not strict requirements but common signs that children are building the skills, confidence, and mindset to thrive in elementary school. Some may appear earlier or later, and that’s completely normal. Think of this as a guide to the kinds of growth you might notice as your child gets ready for the transition.
SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL
- Calm goodbyes
- Plays cooperatively & shares well
- Shows empathy
- Manages emotions
INDEPENDENCE
- Dresses & manages lunch with no help
- Goes to bathroom independently
- Transitions easily between activities
- Understands expectations
COMMUNICATION
- Speaks in sentences
- Follows simple instructions
- Expresses needs clearly
- Listens in a group
COGNITIVE & ACADEMIC
- Recognizes most letters & sounds
- Counts & recognizes numbers to 10 or 20
- Spots patterns & shapes
- Completes short tasks
LEARNING MINDSET
- Asks “why?” & explores
- Keeps trying
- Enjoys books & stories
Academic skills develop over time, but what matters most is that children feel safe, curious, and confident as they begin their learning journey. When those foundations are in place, children don’t just enter school ready-they step forward with the resilience and joy that fuel lifelong learning.
Summary
Readiness for elementary school is far more than the ability to recite the alphabet or count to twenty. It’s a child’s self-confidence, curiosity about the world, ability to cooperate with others, and emotional resilience – foundations that will determine success not only in first grade, but throughout their educational life.
Maple Bear’s Canadian approach places these competencies at the center of the educational process starting from preschool. Through inquiry-based learning, authentic bilingualism through immersion, and a student-centered approach, children at Maple Bear don’t just prepare for school – they develop as confident, independent, and curious learners. Combined with the Polish core curriculum, this model gives children solid academic foundations and social-emotional competencies that allow them to thrive in any educational environment – whether in a Polish high school or an international school anywhere in the world. Because at Maple Bear, children don’t just learn – they flourish.
Justine O’Grady holds a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from Charles Sturt University and a Bachelor of Education and Bachelor of Science from St. Francis Xavier University. She has over 34 years of experience in education, as a science/biology/chemistry teacher and a school administrator. Justine also has training in conflict management, equity, and anti-racism, including a certificate in Conflict Management and Mediation from Conrad Grebel University and a Certificate in Instructional Rounds practices from Harvard University.
A seasoned educational leader with extensive experience in school administration, curriculum development, and school improvement planning, Justine excels in fostering positive work environments and driving organizational improvements. Her key strengths lie in team building, conflict management, and strategic thinking, which have enabled her to mentor staff effectively, enhance instructional practices, and improve student outcomes. Justine has a deep commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, and to creating school environments that foster student well-being and success.