Dd not picking up letter recognition

[cockadoodledoooo]

My dd is nearly five and started reception in September. She isn't picking up letter recognition and considered to be within 30-50months. The teacher has said she isn't technically behind but is at the lowest end of the bracket.

How normal is this? We do find the letter word searches, phonics bingo etc at home as well as a lot of reading. I don't know what else we can do to help but I am worried she is behind her class mates.

[cockadoodledoooo]

I hadn't thought of that, she doesn't appear to squint.

At a parents meeting it appears like she is the only one struggling. As a normally rational person I do realise that might not be the case, but I am so worried she will struggle with school

[HumphreyCobblers]

You should definitely get her eyes tested - if you can afford it go to a behavioural optometrist.

If I had my way every child in Reception would go to a behavioural optometrist. It would find out the three or four children in each class that have some kind of visual problem.

The test they do currently is very basic and will not pick up any problems.

[HumphreyCobblers]

sorry, that should say would not pick up many problems.

[mrz]

30-50 months is completely normal this early in reception. In addition to a sight check I'd suggest getting her hearing checked. In order to associate letters with spoken sounds she needs to see and hear.

I'd recommend the Sounds Write app (first units are free)

[mrz]

http://www.sounds-write.co.uk for a link to the app

[cockadoodledoooo]

Thanks everyone for your tips.

I am dyslexic with dyspraxia and didn't receive any help at school, which I found a nightmare! I was having a bit of a wobble, worrying she will struggle and effect her already low confidence.

[mrz]

Can she hear sounds in spoken words?

I'd assess ability to put sounds together (without written symbols) ...if you say /k/ /a/ /t/ can she hear cat? If you say /f/ /I/ /sh/ can she hear fish?

If she can then introduce the symbols ...if not lots of games to help her hear.

[cockadoodledoooo]

She cannot recognise the sounds put together either. She also doesn't recognise her name and not yet distinguish between numbers and letters

[mrz]

If she can't hear the word when you say the sounds you need to step back and work on aural blending before moving onto written words.

Try her with syllables

Can she hear the word if you say butter (pause) cup
Foot (pause) ball
Lady (pause) bird

Etc