Best books for homeschooling 4 year old

[BreeVandecamphodge]

My son turned 4 in April and my second son will be 3 in October, I want to start learning them to read and write before they start school, they don’t go to nursery as they are both type 1 diabetic and my nerves couldn’t cope with them being away from me just yet, what books do you recommend for learning to read, write and count etc? i don’t have a budget i just would like to get them the best available, i have already tried some cheap ones from home bargains and the range but its all wipe off books and they’re very messy. Any recommendations would be appreciated. Preferably school grade

You don't need to teach them to read and write before school. Teach them how to go to the toilet, how to recognise their name written down, how to take off and put on coats and shoes, how to share, how to use cutlery, how to wash their hands. Their teachers will thank you once they get there!

Thank you, they’re both fantastic at doing those tasks as I’ve been learning them from a very young age, but with my eldest especially he is always wanting to learn about everything and wants to learn to read and write, he already recognises a lot of names written down and we have been all morning so far learning to tell the time, he’s keen to learn and I want to help as best I can just now.

Your eldest presumably starts school in just a few weeks time in which case I'd let him enjoy the rest of the summer and let him learn to read with his peers.

Focus on him recognising his name, taking turns and being able to ask for help if he needs it.

He isn’t starting school until next year

In which case I would find a preschool setting for him for the next year. Does the school you want him to attend next year have a nursery?

He isn’t starting school until next year

Assume you're not in England? He seems from your description to be more than ready to start Reception.

Practising 'writing' would probably be most useful - holding a pen or pencil correctly and making marks and drawing patterns to build up strength and control. Any drawing book or colouring book would do. You can write his name for him to copy.

You can play counting games throughout the day with coloured building blocks or anything else around the house or when you're out.

Primary schools in the UK use a mixture of Oxford Reading Tree (Biff, Chip and Kipper) and Read, Write, Inc. books to help children with learning to read. My family also had older reading schemes, like Puddle Lane, which we learnt to read before we went to school. Schools also use Read, Write, Inc. (or another phonics scheme's) flip-cards to teach letter sounds.

PlanBee has resources, Twinkl and Abacus. Would something like Kumon/Kip McGrath help with maths? If your DC are still learning to count, count things like steps, sweets (or a favourite snack, and if they're right, they get to eat it!), sheep or anything that you can see more than one of!

Enjoy spending time with your little ones, OP.

You are teaching them, not learning them.