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What age would you say my child was

218 replies

Therewerenosnowdaysinthenineties · 19/11/2024 20:40

From this?

Please be honest.

My dc has been ill since June and unable to attend school, I’ve been doing some work with her at home, however, she’s too ill
most of the time and my main focus is on getting her better. Her educational development is niggling away at me a little now though. She reads well, is eloquent in her speaking and her maths seems good. Her writing to me seems lower than it should be, will she catch up when better?

What age would you say my child was
OP posts:
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Longma · 20/11/2024 19:19

This reply has been withdrawn

This has been withdrawn by MNHQ for breaking our Talk Guidelines. at the request of it's author.

zingally · 20/11/2024 16:36

Around 6?

If she's less than that, no issue. But I'd say as a primary school teacher, if she's closer to 8 than 7, then she probably needs some more intervention.

That being said, if she's been really ill, then health is the most important thing, and if she's averagely bright, she'll catch up.

Imonaplane · 20/11/2024 16:18

I taught years 1 and 2 for 11 years. This is perfectly normal for a year 2 child. I hope your daughter gets better soon.

Therewerenosnowdaysinthenineties · 20/11/2024 16:09

@TheSquareMile Three of her friends from school have been over regularly at weekends as they live on our street. I’m just not sure if she’d cope, but I was thinking similar, maybe part time and to enjoy Christmas activities

OP posts:
TheSquareMile · 20/11/2024 15:45

Therewerenosnowdaysinthenineties · 20/11/2024 09:49

@TheSquareMile They said it was very serious the amount of time she’d been off school (just to say we are not in the uk) they’re putting pressure for her to be at school (we have all medical notes etc)

@Therewerenosnowdaysinthenineties

Would it be possible for her to go back to school next week?

I'm thinking that she would then have a month of lessons before breaking up for Christmas, with the added bonus of being able to join in the fun Christmas things the class will be doing.

Has she been able to keep up with her classmates while she has been away?

I wondered whether some of them had been able to visit her at home.

AutumnLeaves24 · 20/11/2024 14:53

dcsp · 19/11/2024 21:47

I wouldn't say it's daft at all.

My son has terrible handwriting, I stopped bothering about it when I realised that since leaving education I basically never need to write by hand (as opposed to with a keyboard), it's simply a skill that's no longer really needed.

Even in education, they do more an more on Chromebooks and less and less on paper (which is good), I wouldn't bet against even exams being online by the time my child and the OP's are sitting them.

🙇🏻‍♀️🙇🏻‍♀️🙇🏻‍♀️

there is no arguing...

User79853257976 · 20/11/2024 14:05

I’d do some letter formation work with her. It looks like she is adding a tail to an o to make an a.

O6bftdff · 20/11/2024 13:50

Overthebow · 20/11/2024 03:19

Top of the class tracing huge letters? My summer born 4 year old dd just started reception and is not top of the class, she can write simple words and individual letter formation is good. The children at the top of the class are beginning to write similar to OPs example.

Well, that’s what the teacher said. I’m not his parent so don’t see everything, but he brings home colouring in of objects starting with a letter and then copies the letter several times above them.

Whatsitreallylike · 20/11/2024 10:47

LostMySocks · 19/11/2024 20:41

Anywhere from 4 to 7 or 8.

Yes I would have guessed 5 or 6 but range above wouldn’t surprise me (8 would tbf)

WestiesAreMyBesties · 20/11/2024 10:45

From a primary school teacher's point of view...
Based on pencil control alone I'd say she was about 4 or 5. But you did mention that her reading is going well so I'm going to assume she might be closer to 6.

HamptonPlace · 20/11/2024 10:40

She's going to e ahead of almost all the boys anyway! Good work for a 6YO either way :)

Therewerenosnowdaysinthenineties · 20/11/2024 09:49

@TheSquareMile They said it was very serious the amount of time she’d been off school (just to say we are not in the uk) they’re putting pressure for her to be at school (we have all medical notes etc)

OP posts:
TheSquareMile · 20/11/2024 09:43

@Therewerenosnowdaysinthenineties

You refer to "very stressful pressure from school, who seem to think she’s missing out on very important things", OP.

What is the school saying?

NotARealWookiie · 20/11/2024 09:12

I wouldn’t worry too much, my daughters handwriting is only now getting half sensible in year 3. Last year letters and numbers were frequently backwards and the size of them was all over the place. You are doing fine.

Remember in lots of European countries children don’t start school until 6-8 years and they are still fine and learn to read and write - often in multiple languages.

Differentstarts · 20/11/2024 08:17

Firstly I hope your daughter gets better soon that's the most important thing, secondly try not to worry she will catch up. I missed a lot of school due to illness/surgeries etc and was fine. I hope the school is being supportive.

MayMumm · 20/11/2024 04:27

Therewerenosnowdaysinthenineties · 19/11/2024 21:03

Thanks everyone, so she turned 6 in summer.
I’ve not worried until now, but obviously don't want her returning and being miles behind and feeling that, if that makes sense.
It was a list as it’s my birthday next week 🙂

I would have said 7. And I think the handwriting is fine and shows a creative child. My hand writing has always been poor but it’s never held me back - despite going to one of the worst state schools I still got into a Russel Group (UCL) so just want to let you know that. SHe sounds like she has a lovely supportive Mum that will help her achieve what she needs to in life.

User37482 · 20/11/2024 04:14

I’d say reception/yr 1 my DD’s handwriting is pretty patchy but her teacher isn’t worried about it and she’s completely normal, it’s just practice. It looks like some of the handwriting in Dd’s reception class. There is a big range from what I’ve seen. I think she’s doing well if she’s been off a lot for sickness.

I would get some comprehension books, get her reading and writing together but I really don’t think theres loads to worry about here.

I hope your DD is recovering well x

LBFseBrom · 20/11/2024 03:54

5-6.

Overthebow · 20/11/2024 03:19

O6bftdff · 19/11/2024 21:03

My four year old spring born nephew has just had his parents evening and his teacher said he was an ideal pupil and top of the class. He absolutely cannot write like this. He is still messily copying/tracing huge individual letters.

I thought about seven or eight.

Top of the class tracing huge letters? My summer born 4 year old dd just started reception and is not top of the class, she can write simple words and individual letter formation is good. The children at the top of the class are beginning to write similar to OPs example.

oakleaffy · 20/11/2024 03:07

Therewerenosnowdaysinthenineties · 19/11/2024 21:47

@ShinyPebble32 My heart dropped when I read your post.
I’m the opposite of a pushy mum. I don’t care about her handwriting, but I have started to worry only recently in case she goes back and feels low in confidence in case she sees other children far ahead.
My only concern has been getting her well, regardless of the very stressful pressure from school, who seem to think she’s missing out on very important things (which also is part of me posting this) to check that it’s going to be ok.
All I see in my child’s list is love and it touched me very much, I most certainly didn’t look at it and focus on the handwriting.

@Therewerenosnowdaysinthenineties Your child's drawing and writing does look happy.
No way is it disturbed in any way.

The 'S' and 'J' are mirror images, - she might have dyslexia? -{My son did} - but her happy looking writings are lovely.

Marchitectmummy · 20/11/2024 02:06

Personally if I were honest she is behind on handwriting, but that's something easy to pick up when she's better.

Focus on keeping her up with maths, spelling and comprehension those are for harder to catch up when a child slips behind.

Rachel757677 · 20/11/2024 01:51

Don't worry OP. Some people have terrible handwriting. Hers will improve. My handwriting is so bad that if I leave it and go back to it, sometimes I can't read what I have written. The content of your child's message is what strikes me. Very cute...

valentinka31 · 20/11/2024 01:42

I would say year 1 or 2, age 5 or 6.

highlandcoo · 20/11/2024 01:11

Oh, and in case this all sounds like a lot of teaching for a young child, it might be as little as a few sessions of an hour or an hour and a half a week. You can actually get a lot done in that time when it's one-to-one teaching. The tutor should also be able to give you advice about fun activities you can do with your child which will help her learning.

highlandcoo · 20/11/2024 01:05

Hi OP
I'm really sorry it's too late at night for me to have time to read the whole thread and I realise I may have missed some information but hope this may be helpful.
I was a teacher of sick children for ten years. Your daughter should be entitled to a home tutor provided by the local education authority. Unfortunately not all schools realise this and inform parents. You would need medical confirmation that she is not well enough to attend school - this should be easy to get from her hospital consultant or similar.
In our LEA, you would receive a home visit where you can talk about your daughter and agree how much time would be appropriate relevant to her energy levels. As a tutor, we are there to support without pressure. For example, if I had a pupil who was very tired or very stressed, we wouldn't do any formal teaching .. we would read stories or paint or whatever was appropriate that day.
I would liaise with the class teacher, pick up reading books, get an idea of your DD's strengths and any areas useful to focus on, and plan our lessons to suit her needs. I would also facilitate keeping in touch with her class so that reintegration went as smoothly as possible.
We very much tailor our teaching to the needs of the child.
Your LEA (Local Education Authority) should be able to put you in touch with the relevant person to arrange help for your daughter.
I hope that helps .. and yes, her writing will improve in time. Please don't worry about that.
All best wishes to you and your DD.

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