A bit worried about dd, need reassurance.

[darcymum]

She seems to be quite far behind her peers with her writing and 'reading' etc. She has just turned five and can't write her name without coping it. She has only just started reception, but I had noticed this from preschool and also comparing her with her younger brother and sister, although they both seem quite bright. I have asked her preschool teachers but they have said she's fine.

Am I worrying unduly?

Yes. It is very common for children to enter Reception without being able to write anything. Some children (my DS is included here) simply don't have the fine motor control to be able to do it.

The staff will work with her in the Reception year to improve her fine motor skills. My DS entered Reception unable to do anything other than scribble and was able to form all his letters (mostly) correctly by the end of the year.

Dont worry! My DS entered F2 only able to write his name and is now in year 3 and is very able. My DD (4yrs 3mths) has just started school and can only write part of her name. I am not in the least concerned as it's surprising how quick children learn. My DD cannot read at all and has come home yesterday with a small list of words to learn on an ongoing basis. She is also learning phonics which is a brilliant way to learn their letters and sounds.

DS is a little younger than yours (april born) but he has just started reception without being able to write his name. He can write the first letter, but not the name. He has never been interested in drawing or colouring - but he gets very frustrated when he works at those things and can't do it. The teacher is entirely unconcerned, perfectly happy with where he is at. Its so hard not to compare to other children but it really is just a nightmare, I'm sure there are other mother's saying oh little darcymum can do x and my DC can't.

Don't worry; children do advance in different areas at different times.

The important thing to bear in mind is that she feels this is still fun and enjoys the learning aspect. If she is put off then that is more of a worry. Keep a tab on her enjoyment, lots of encouragement and 'noticing' even the smallest improvements. Also you can investigate some fun activities that might help her (e.g. fine motor skills, cutting and using scissors to strengthen muscles - she won't even know that this is helping in other areas).

Most of all don't let her know you're worried but believe in her. (use of the word 'yet' is useful e.g. you might not be able to do that yet, but one day you will.

Thank you very much for the replies. I always said when I was pregnant with my first that I wouldn't be competitive and would not worry if they are the first or the last to do things. It is very easy to do if they are the first to do things (like my younger two) but a lot harder if they are the last.

Can I ask if people who had children who have been later than peers with reading/writing etc, has this continued through school? I am really trying hard not to care if she is in the bottom end of the class, as long as she is happy and doing her best.

My DD1 was like this when she started reception last year and she was also 5 very early and one of the oldest.

She is now in Y1 and top set for everything and actually we are worried because they can't give her enough challenging work fast enough and she is like a sponge!

Thanks for that, as I said I am telling myself that its fine if she's the bottom of the class anyway.