Alphabet

[pranma]

I know we have had this before but my dd was in a bit of a state the other day because dgs[3.6]cannot identify all the letters of the alphabet whereas a neighbours child[3.3] can point to any upper case letter and say what it is.My dd blames herself because she works part time!My dgs loves books[knows favourites by heart] can read and write his name,can recognise about a dozen words and some letters.He is extremely imaginative,very articulate,loves pre school,has friends and is active,happy and healthy.I am right aren't I?It really doesnt matter about the alphabet yet does it?

School will target the alphabet, you don't need to worry about it yet. More important to develop imagination, pretend play and the attention to listen to stories and attend to games. If you do want to go for the alphabet try working on the sounds the letters make rather than the letter names, because this is the cool thing to know in school at the moment (something clever about research showing this helps childs language).

No, it totally doesn't matter that your DGS doesn't know the alphabet at three there is no good reason for him to do so - and teaching a three year old upper case letters is a pretty pointless party trick anyway. It won't help him learn to read. Your DGS sounds much more ready for reading in the ways that count.

DS1 can recognise most letters of the alphabet (upper and lower case). He is 3.7....but I have worked 3 or 4 days a week since he was 6 months old so reassure your DD that her working is nothing to do with it.

My DS1 is obsessed with numbers and letters and has always loved having books read to him - but that is just his nature. Other children have different interests.

DD1 is 3.6yo and knows a few letters of the alphabet. She much prefers numbers right now and can recognise most digits.

She can sometimes recognise her name - but always insists that it say her first name and surname!

She has a fabulous imagination, makes up stories and loves books - will 'read' books by making up the story from the pictures or will retell favourites.

She loves pre-school, is sociable and generally confident when meeting new people. She plays happily by herself or with others. She can hold a sensible conversation. She can undress herself and put on some items of clothing. Eats pretty well with cutlery. Can manage her own toiletting.

She has been to a childminder 4 days a week during term time since she was 7mo. I have worked 5 days a week during term time since then apart from the 7 months maternity leave I took with DD2 last year.

I am not in the least bit concerned about the fact that she does not know her alphabet. I am a primary school teacher and know she will pick it all up in good time once she starts to focus on such things in school.

Please tell your DD to stop worrying.

DS didn't know any of his alphabet when he started school - wasn't remotely interested. He was far too busy just being a boy and racing around. He is now reading pretty fluently after a year at school. Agree with Turtle that it is far more useful to talk and develop pretend play/imagination at this age. I think a child who knows all their letters before starting reception would be bored!

Thank you all so much dd is a secondary school teacher and not usually 'competitive' at all.Dysgu my dgs sounds just like your dd which I find very reassuring.