Preparing for reception

[gutzgutz]

DS (pfb!) will be starting reception next year. He will be one of the very youngest in the school as a late August birthday. What sort of things, both practical and academic, should I be doing to help him and his teachers next year? I am looking around schools now and one teacher said it is helpful if they can write their name. This panics me somewhat as DS shows no interest in letters or even colouring really. He quite likes counting. I'm not trying to push him before he's ready but I'd like to gradually incorporate some suggestions into everyday life. I work 3 days a week. Thanks.

Oh, he goes to nursery 3 days a week.

I'd just work on the practical stuff
Getting him toilet trained & able to dress himself after pe

Toiletting including bum wiping
Putting on Shoes and coat
Recognising his name printed and general lower case letter recognition with phonic sounds
Counting to 10

Exactly what captain said. Wiping his own bottom, using cutlery, dressing himself (especially socks!), being able to turn inside out clothes the right way. Time him getting dressed and see if he can beat his time. Recognising his own name would certainly help, even if he doesn't write it yet. He'll be able to find his peg/drawer/labels on his clothes.

He still has almost a year, he might surprise you! My pfb starts next sept too.

I'd concentrate on the social and practical things. The other stuff will come.

Don't stress about "academic" readiness, but social aspects are worth preparing.

What will help:

Being able to go to the loo unassisted, being able to change in an out of PE kit (without strewing it everywhere). Also hanging up a coat (perhaps stuffing hat and gloves into a pocket). Being able to open everything likely to go into a packed lunch, or carry a tray without spilling everything plus using a knife and fork. Blowing own nose and throwing away the tissue.

Recognising own name (and/or name tape with symbol) is handy. It doesn't matter at all about 'reading' beyond that.

Being able to sit still for the duration of a story, follow simple one and step step instructions.

Everyone has given really good advice - making him socially ready for Reception will be far more beneficial than anything else. My sister's little girl started Reception this year, she can't write her name although she can recognise it. Nor can she read. Let the school worry about your son's expected levels of knowledge and you can let him enjoy his last year of just being a child who has no pressures on him.

All of the examples given above are great. I might add making sure he knows how a book works - opens at the front, pages turn, story develops through words and pictures, it concludes. Even if he isn't interested in reading yet, it will help him if he is interested in books. Similarly writing - giving him opportunities to make marks and draw/paint/model/sculpture will help. Most of this should be happening at nursery.

The physical skills (clothing, self-care, eating/drinking) and having the confidence to ask for help when needed are all very important but can be learned over the summer holidays if he isn't interested before then. No need to worry for another six months or more!