Advice please

[Tailtwister]

DS1 is 4.5 (he will be 5 next feb) and will start P1 next Aug (Scotland). He currently attends the school nursery.

We read to him regularly and he's currently showing an interest in writing. He often asks me to write something specific for him to copy and then likes to draw a picture of it underneath. I want to support his interest, but I'm keen to do it in a constructive way so I don't cause any issues for him when he starts P1.

At a recent school open day I had a brief chat with a P1 teacher and asked her where she expected the children to be at the start of the year. As you would expect, they are all assessed at the start and the range is usually wide. I tried to explain that DS1 is taking an interest in writing and that I wanted to ensure what we are doing isn't completely different to how he would be taught in school. She didn't seem to think it really mattered, despite the fact they teach cursive writing.

My question is, does it matter if I give him standard workbooks which give direction on how to form letters (not in the same way as cursive writing)? He has a couple and enjoys doing them. Also, should I be doing anything specific regarding reading? I assume they use phonics, but have no idea how to approach it. Do I just continue to read to him?

Any advice would be really welcome!

[Tailtwister]

Yes, I thought it was unusual myself. It's an independent school, so I don't know if that makes a difference.

I was just confused that the teacher didn't seem to think it mattered if I did it differently. I'll have a look online for cursive resources. Do you think it would make a difference euphemia? I just feel less confident teaching him cursive. It seems like a terribly complicated way to start...

[Tailtwister]

Sorry, forgot to add we're in Edinburgh.

[Tailtwister]

That's marvellous euphemia, thanks do much for you advice and the link.