5 year - sad and lost confidence

[AgedRelative]

DS is in Yr1 equivalent, he is very young for the school year and did well in reception. Over the first month of our 8 week summer holidays I didn't reinforce his phonics and high frequency words but did work with him for the second half. He went back having lost maybe half of his high frequency words but happily sounding out words and knowing most of his sounds. Two weeks in and he just seems to have lost confidence completely. He doesn't want to try to sound anything and gets upset. I'm so sad for him. If he was a month younger he would be in reception.

I'm reading to him for pleasure, trying to find books he loves. I'd also like a pointer on some apps or online resources which might be good for us. Something which he feels is playing but I know is working on his reading skills. Also anything else you think I should be doing (we are only back two weeks but I will be speaking to his teacher tomorrow, I don't care if I am labelled as that parent).

Thanks in advance.
Aged

[user789653241]

some free online resources:

www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/ks1/literacy/

www.topmarks.co.uk/english-games/5-7-years/letters-and-sounds

bigbrownbear.co.uk/

[AgedRelative]

Thanks so much. Will have a good look.

[knaffedoff]

I wouldn't worry, the transition from reception is big and IMO shouldn't be hurried. He is two weeks in, he will get back to where he was after the long holiday in time but the chances are the teachers will still be gently working out the personalities, dynamics and currently level if each class member.

My child has just gone into year one and is way behind compared to where he was in July!

[AgedRelative]

Thanks Knaffed, I don't actually care that he has lost knowledge, he is pretty smart and I know he will get it back. It's his confidence. He just looks really small and a bit sad. If he was his normal happy self then I'd be pretty sanguine. His pencil skills are not great either and he has a very old school teacher and I just have a bad feeling that he will be pigeon holed.

[catkind]

Teach your monster to read is great. Or alphablocks from the BBC. Hope he perks up soon, the first weeks back are long ones.

[AgedRelative]

Thanks catkind! I will try those too.

[Autumnsky]

I reckon alphablocks games on Cbeebies as well, DS2 used to love to play the game.

[AgedRelative]

Thanks Autumn! I've downloaded a few apps and we can have a cuddle and some device time later.

[taeglas]

I am a teaching assistant working in Key Stage 1 and also a parent.
I would say it is very common for children to be wobbly at the beginning of year 1. It is a big change from Reception.

I recommend lots of games. When children play games they forget they are learning and most importantly games are fun. You can choose games to match their interest.

As well as the online games and resources mentioned already, there are loads of easy to make games on Pinterest
uk.pinterest.com/explore/phonics-games/
Also search Pinterest for sight word games.

On this site you can make your own games
www.sightwords.com/sight-words/games/go-fish/
You can put in your own words and make a snakes and ladders board game.


I recommend making the games too easy at first to build up confidence.
I like active games like splat the word/sound or knocking down paper cups or skittles with words/sounds on after reading them.

I also like the free phonics books and games on www.themeasuredmom.com/free-phonics-books/
www.themeasuredmom.com/10-diy-reading-games-for-kids/
A few of the books have American spelling but can easily be changed with a sticker. The books are simple, short and excellent for children just starting to sound out words.
Some more online games here ictgames.com/literacy.html