How young children learn - enough info for parents?

[Rhiannonthescribbler]

Hello there

I'm a newbie and am very pleased to be part of mumsnet.

I'm a pre-school deputy supervisor and I am concerned that some parents aren't aware of what their children should idealy be experiencing during their early years in order for them to develop as well rounded peeps.

I have one parent who was concerned her child wasn't reading at THREE! She was also angry when her child drew marks on paper and said it was their name (aged 4 by then)when there was only one letter which was the starting initial. This set alarm bells ringing for me and as I support this parent it's made me think how many others are doing this? I expect it is a minority but the other side is, I think there are many parents want to help their children along but just need the ideas/support?

With this in my my setting is planning on meetings for parents to cover this issue.

Personally, I would like to know what you all think -

Is there enough info/guidance out there i.e. from the government about the Early Years Foundation Stage and how/what exactly your children are learning?

Or, do you feel more than able to support your child's learning just by gut instinct/remembering how you learnt as a child?

Would you find a book aimed at parents covering these issues helpful?

I have in mind a book for parents which covers all aspects of play, learning etc which is user-friendly, jargon-free. It's an ambitious project but my research starts with you guys.

Thanks for taking time to read this.

There are loads of books out there, and innumerable stuff on the internet.

The woman you mention sounds like a loon, tbh. Does she exist in a vacuum perhaps, and not know any other children? Ever?

It has happened twice both at parents open mornings, I have asked to take over as the child's key person to keep an eye on things!

There are a lot of books but the ones I come aacross are either for home schooling or self esteem "Bringing up boys/girls" etc. I just feel there is a gap in the market but it's just an idea at the moment.

Yes I would find this topic quite interesting and could be helpful

I'd love a book like this as a childcarer and a parent! I'm finding it a little confusing as I unconciously compare my charges to my own children and all are considered 'normal' development, yet they are all wildly different (obviously!)
I'm also currently studying for a childcare qualification and hope to specialise later in child development just because I'm interested :)

Thanks for the responses!

As the EYFS (early years curriculum) is under review and any changes will be in place by 2012 I don't want to steam ahead until we all know how things are going to settle. However, I am going to do as much research as I can.

I am currently studying for a BA in early years with the Open University and am about to start my second year. It's been really good and I'd recommend their courses.

Parents do find the whole new EYFS thing hard to understand, I know what you mean.

It's not always easy for them to understand why their children don't come home with cards they have made, or angels and crackers at Christmas, templated stuff. Because that's what we used to do as children, and even some older children will have experienced those sorts of activities more recently.

We did an open week where we had loads of activities on the go (far too many for a normal week) and invited the parents in whenever it suited them. We had big signs up over evey activity explaining what the children could learn from each thing, and how it related to the EYFS. It also gave parents a chance to see what we did and how we interacted with their children.

I think a book would be a good idea, as long as it was very simple, I think the only problem would be that the majority of parents that would read a whole book are possibly not the ones that need the most help. Educating the parents in a practical way will get through to some parents more efficiently, and it would be good from an inclusion point of view and make it easier for parents with learning difficulties or have English as a second language.

But you are the one that is best placed to decide what would benefit your particular group of parents, you could always send them out a little questionnaire?

"I think the only problem would be that the majority of parents that would read a whole book are possibly not the ones that need the most help."

that is so true. for those who are interested/enthusiastic there are plenty of resources available. what's more important, IMO, is getting info to those who don't have the inclination or ability to seek it out themselves.

what about individual sheets instead? that'd be a more manageable amount (don't forget lots of parents aren't confident about literacy/numeracy themselves)

you could have theme weeks - maybe one week you do more number-based activities and send out accompanying info (perhaps the previous week) - if it was related to specific activities it may not seem so patronising - this is another issue you need to think about; people don't like being told how to raise their kids.