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A Reception Teacher's Top Tips For Preparing Your Child For School

A question I get asked a lot is "What should I be doing at home?!", usually in a panic stricken because they've just found out that Amelia from down the road can already read and write.  

 So here is my top ten list of things to do with your child before they start school (and after) ... 


1. Go on adventures ... I don't mean Disney or the Bahamas, I mean real life experiences like running around in the woods or posting a letter. Having this context really supports children's learning and builds language which is key to understanding and successful writing. 

2. Ask lots of open ended questions ... Why do you think leaves turn brown? What will happen if we don't water this plant? What do you think cows eat? This type of questioning helps your child to develop their critical thinking skills. 


3. Read lots of stories ... Read, read, read get your child excited about books (funny voices are a must!). Don't forget that it is important that your children see you reading for your own enjoyment too, be their reading role model! 



4. Teach your child to use the toilet independently .... I will not wipe your child's bum .. enough said! 

5. Limit screen time ... Yes, Ipads and Tablets have their place but too much screen time can have adverse effects. I've seen lots of 4 year old children who can operate an apple product better than Steve Jobs, but ask them to form a sentence or play a game that involves turn taking and they struggle. I would suggest limiting play to a maximum of an hour a day giving you enough time to put the washing on and get dinner started! Remember never leave a child unsupervised with access to the internet, there are lots of dodgy people out there! 


6. Practise holding a pencil ... Lot's of children find it difficult to grip a pencil, strengthen your child's hand muscles with lots of fine motor activities such as playdough (you could even have a dough disco which is my favourite way to start the school day!) 

7. Mark Making! ... This links with the above, get your kiddie to squiggle whilst they wiggle! Making marks with pens, crayons, pencils, chalk, paint  on paper, cardboard boxes, pavements or whatever genius idea you can come up with! Pinterest is a treasure chest of ideas for teachers and there's no reason why parents can't use it too.  


8. Sing! ... Number songs, phonics songs, silly songs whatever you fancy! Singing supports your child's development in communication, listening and language 



9. Promote an awareness of maths in the environment ... Count steps going up the stairs, read door and bus numbers, count out objects, get your child to use money to pay for items at the shop


10. Have fun with your child ... Most importantly laugh, smile and play with your child! A happy child is more likely to make a good level of progress. Don't put too much pressure on them if they seem a little slow at learning their phonics etc they are still so young and all children develop in different ways and rates. 


 I hope this post was helpful .. if you have any more ideas feel free to add them to the comment box! 
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