Starting primary worries

[sabbledabble]

Son is due to start in September and doesn't enjoy drawing, cant draw much that resembles anything without some guidance. He will be oldest in the year but struggles to hold a pencil with correct grip. I've just been encouraging him to do colouring, painting with a range of materials when he's in the mood so no pressure.

The school gave us a booklet to fill in with our child, draw pictures of various things, stick photos in, write name, age, friends etc so I was cajoling son into doing some of it at least which he went along with to begin with but was obviously finding it difficult. Was just doing a page or 2 at a time. There's a lot of pages!

He doesn't want to do any more as he says it's too difficult. I'm just really worried that he'll get to school and just try to avoid things he finds difficult as he gives up so easily almost all of the time and starts messing about. He seems to get really anxious, has high standards so doesn't like to do things if he's not great at them. I keep trying to say it's OK to make mistakes, and keep trying as we all need to learn and practice new things.

He also refused to join in with nursery sports day despite having looked forward to it all week. On the day he would only watch, all his friends & teachers were encouraging him but he just wouldn't have a go.

Anyone elses child like this and have any words of wisdom?

Try doing things with him that don't have end results that he has to be happy with.

So instead of drawing on paper, use tools to draw in a thin layer of sand, or water paint on the patio or plaudough to build his finger strength.

Say nothing about his end result, just talk about the process and build his confidence.

Mine couldn't hold a pencil either - he won't be the only one. You can do the writing in his booklet - they're not expected to be able to write yet. If he's done enough pictures for the teacher to be able to see that he struggles with drawing, don't worry about the rest - put in a photo instead.

There's someone who usually pops up here with a list of activities that help build finger strength and control, or you might be able to search for it.

He may be absolutely fine when he gets to school. Mine mastered pencil grip quickly when she got there. Seeing that other children's drawing/writing isn't perfect may help. And if he gives up too easily/won't try, I'm sure the teacher will have strategies - he won't be the first on that either!

Dd2 hated drawing (still does! She's 12 and she tries hard but Art is a low point of her week!). Turned out she was late to establish handedness: she was just about to leave pre-school when the penny dropped. She'd been trying to do everything in her right hand but lo and behold she's left-handed! Once she'd fully established that she was away. Reception did mutter about a bit of a concern but she'd quite literally not attempted any significant mark making until she started school. She caught up very quickly and her writing is absolutely fine now.

In dd's case this didn't get picked up because she was good at 'deflecting' from having to put something down on paper. At her 2.5 year check they kept on asking her to draw stuff and she'd turn round and say "No, you draw a line/circle. Your turn". Then she handed the HV a crayon and demanded the HB draw a cat .

We're in a similar situation op. My ds hates drawing/painting and always has. He can't properly hold a pencil and we are still at scribble stage. Theres loads of fine motor skills so we do those every day like lego, playdough, threading beads, peeling stickers etc and I'm hoping it helps in a fun way.

I'm hoping the school will help and will be used to a range of abilities.