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Original poster

Mums guilt ,pls no shaming

59 replies

ivise · 23/07/2024 20:24

Hello, long story short, my little one is starting reception this year . She still doesn't recognise letters or can't spell or read ,same with numbers she can count and write by following dots but she doesn't really recognise them . I have started to teach her to recognise numbers ,but not sure if I will be able to do with letters as I don't know what is correct way to do so . Is this normal or she should know all this by now? She turned 4 in June . Pls don't shame me . We always read books and play, lots of outdoor activities. She doesn't really like sitting down and learning for long periods.I am not worried in her progression . Just thinking if I haven't neglected her learning skills :/

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Original poster
ivise · 23/07/2024 20:33

@CelesteCunningham yes she can count very well , it's just the recognition of letters and numbers she struggle . I only thought about that as I have seen videos of younger children spelling and I was like ok did I have to teach her that before reception? Ooops but I think she will be fine .

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tarheelbaby · 23/07/2024 20:33

Each child develops at her own rate. Some of it is completely down to physical ages but some of it is what the child wants to do.

Do spend as much time as you can this summer doing number, letter and word prep. Extra practising together lets your DD know its important to you and thus makes her more keen to succeed. Maybe practise more on the 'which letter is this' questions. When my DD1 started reception she couldn't read but by the end they'd somehow taught her.

But they really come to it in their own time so just keep encouraging her.

Cinocino · 23/07/2024 20:32

Have a look at the Instagram toddlerscanread, I have found it extremely informative and it has taught me a much better way to teach my daughter than if I had gone into it uninformed.

Obviously many kids go into reception not able to read, but most can pick out letters and numbers. Start by things like her name written down, yours, mummy, her age, house number etc. Just start tweaking some of your chatting to maintain a lighthearted interest in learning about letters and numbers.

CelesteCunningham · 23/07/2024 20:29

Yes you'll be amazed how much she can do this time next year. My eldest is April born, was just about able to write her name when she started (thanks to her nursery school), by the end of the year she could write a simple sentence. Incredible.

hollyblueivy · 23/07/2024 20:29

4 is no age at all and certainly a time for more playing and less learning, there are many many years of that ahead.

Crystalbabe · 23/07/2024 20:27

I don’t have a child of your age. However, a friend of mine is a reception teacher and we were chatting the other day. About a third of kids don’t know this when starting but by the end of the year so by the time she is 5 I’m sure she will! Please don’t stress!

CelesteCunningham · 23/07/2024 20:27

Christ, no shaming necessary at all! IME they don't expect any of that when starting school. Yes lots of kids can, but that doesn't mean it's terrible if they can't.

My just turned 4yo knows the first letter of her name (by the phonics sound, not the name) and most of the numbers to ten but that's just what she's shown an interest in.

I'd focus on recognising her name and counting - not recognising the written number, just counting up to five and then ten items.

Mostly, I'd get her excited for school, make sure she can put her jacket on etc etc etc. School will teach her the rest.

NoTicket · 23/07/2024 20:27

That's what reception is there for - to help her learn these things. Don't worry - you're doing a great job and school will do its job and get her where she needs to be

Original poster
ivise · 23/07/2024 20:25

Same with letters she can sing alphabet but she won't recognise if I randomly pick a letter and ask her what it is ,maybe few

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