Firstly we hope you all got the school places you hoped for and that you and your children are excited to begin your new adventures in September.
What is 'school readiness'
Within the Early Years Foundation Stage School readiness is vaguely described as “Children reaching a good level of development in the prime areas and literacy and mathematics” but we know as a school that school readiness stretches far beyond this. We know that in order to be successful learners children need strong foundations but also confidence, belief in themselves, independence, trust, secure relationships, curiosity, listening skills, creativity and social skills among others. This is why we believe it is important to highlight the characteristics of effective learning and view transition over a longer period and not just the physical move to school.
What can I do to encourage my child to feel confident as they transition to school?
Below are lots of examples of ways to reassure your child and help them to face the challenges that school brings, many of these are easily achieved and some probably everyday activities in your home however it truly is sometimes the basics that make the biggest difference.
The final, but perhaps most important thing you can do is play and have fun! Quality play experiences are your child's best way of learning and remember you are their world. Have fun as you enter this new chapter together, recognise yours and your child's strengths without comparing to others and explore their curiosities.
It's important to recognise that the children's journey to becoming confident writers started long ago. When thinking about writing remember it's just as important to encourage the motivation to write as well as the physical skill itself.
To support fine motor skills needed for writing regularly offer activities like:
To support children's interest in writing:
Getting ready for reading
As with writing it's important to recognise that this skill has already started long ago. Exposure to quality books will help your child build and develop their reading skill's from an early age. Reading again has many components but enjoying stories regularly can help to develop your child's love of books!
Other suggestions include:
Playing sound games e.g. I can spy a c a t, I spy something beginning with t. Remember to use the letter sounds opposed to the letter names.
Explore rhymes e.g. finding objects that rhyme or making up nonsense rhymes e.g. this teddy is called Silly Billy Tilly- he's a rhyming teddy!
Point out rhymes in stories and songs, or miss a word out, can the children fill in or change the blank
Sing often and enjoy music and instruments
Explore sounds using different objects
Play listening games- can you identify the hidden sound
Go on a sound walk
Make a sound story