Newbie - education

[Rustyspoon85]

Hi,

I'm new to the site having searched for support and being directed here. I'm a 30yo male who has had the joy of meeting a young little boy who is very special to me. His father left the scene at a young age and he is nearly 4.

For me I like to support his learning where ever possible. He is a very outgoing toddler. A trend setter and a funny little boy. However he doesn't seem to grasp alot of things. The latest is listening. He will never listen. I don't know if this is normal as I see other kids who behave all the time. This leads onto learning. I'm trying to teach letters and letter sounds. He just isn't getting it. We do the sounds and letters using a board, drawing and making it fun. But he just takes the Mick lol. Laughing he gets it wrong doing silly made up words lol.

It concerns me going into school soon and hasn't grasped this basic level. Is this normal for a nearly 4 yo.

Don't try to over this kind and teach. Play and enjoy. Go to the park, do play doh, run!

Don't teach letters and letter sounds, unless you understand which sounds to use (not letter names, not overly aspirated). Better to concentrate on hearing the sounds of the language. Lots of rhymes (sounds like silly ones would appeal to him)

Is he in Reception? If so, support the school's approach to reading.

If not yet in school, no harm from teaching a child who is actually interested in learning As he isn't, drop it.

Don't get me wrong we are out all the time as he is very energetic and imaginative. As mentioned we make it fun too. We have an incredible bond and I want to help him where possible to develop.

Don't try and teach him letters and sounds - leave that to school. Read him lots of stories, sing songs and nursery rhymes, help him to recognise his name (draw attention to it, don't sit him down and do it in a formal way), play board games, help him to count (in a fun way 'would you like some sweets? You can have 5, let's count them), draw his attention to numbers - walking down the road looking at house numbers is great for this. Play imaginary games with him, play catch. Talk, listen and engage with him - that's what he needs.

Thank you. We do all of this. I just thought he might be a little behind in what a child his age should be able to do conpared to online. All of the both we do do. He is really good at counting and singing rhymes etc. Just doesn't seem to get letter sounds.

3 year olds do not need to read and write.

3 year olds love going to the park, going soft play, painting, playing with play doh, drawing etc.

3 year olds learn through play.

As a teacher I would say leave the letter sounds to the school as they will have a programme to follow and then reinforce that when he starts school. As a P.P said, identifying his name, counting, songs and listening to lots of stories along with all the other things he likes to do. Play games in the car like spot the traffic lights and talk about the colours. He is lucky to have you.

Winderstar1216 - thank you. Really kind of you. He's an amazing little guy. I thought I'd never have kids until I met him. Now we are thinking of a little brother or sister.

Aw that's so good. Not many of you around! Keep it up! They are so bloody rewarding!!i have 2 of my own and 12 extras (my class).