Do you think it is still within a normal range not to be able to count to ten at this stage in reception?

[emkana]

And not to be able to write anything, not even your name?

It's not is it?

The normal range for reception is quite large, partly because the children vary in age so much. If your DC is 5.5, then I would think that the couting is not in the normal range. The writing, however, that could definitely be in the normal range for reception, regardless of age.

He's 4.8

Writing - fine then, plenty of summer born boys won't be able to write their name.

Counting - what exactly is the problem? Can he recite 1,2,3,...10? Or can he recite the numbers but not count objects very well?

What does his teacher say?

There is a little girl in dd1's class who couldn't count or write in reception, she's now 7 and writes better than my dd1. I wouldn't be too worried at this age as they seem to pick it up eventually. Dd2 is in reception, can count to 100, can write (some letters backwards) and read but can't dress her self and has poor communication due to her having autism. They are all different.

I work with children who have English as additional language and they cannot count up to 5, or write own name.

He can't form any letters. He will go "one, two, eleven, nine" when trying to count. Only scribbles, doesn't draw anything recognisable. Teacher says nothing to worry about!

I wouldn't worry about the writing yet, boys develop the muscle strength later. Playdough and plasticine may help.

The counting- what exactly do you mean? Can he recite numbers to ten (not while actually counting objects, just saying the words?) Can he touch count, does he get the idea of one number name per object counted, just not as far as ten? Does he recognise how many in small sets e.g. two dogs, three apples without needing to count?

My dd couldn't write her name at 4.8. She was still at Pre school. Not sure if that helps. Can't comment on the counting thing as don't know.

I think I would pressure the teacher for a SENCO assessment if he goes 1, 2, 11, 9. Could be fine - but worth checking out - even if no problem, a bit of extra help would benefit him.

Sorry, cross post! Does he know any number rhymes? Does the random number counting just hapen when counting actual objects?
Teacher sounds sensible, don't worry just yet.

Jade - no to all of those! He seems to have no concept of numbers at all.

Ok, do they do number rhymes at school do you know? Do you use them at home at all?

Are you looking for ideas to help him at home?

I've never heard him say the numbers in th correct order. Just starting to think how he's going to cope going forward. Was in the class for a visit the other day, and they all seemed to be able to write at some level, apart from ds.

I was just thinking about this today, I have quite an age gap between my DCs and was trying to remember at what age they are "expected" to be able to count to ten - does anyone know the approx age ?

I am more looking for opinions what to say to the school.

Honestly, don't worry about the writing yet. His hand muscles may simply not be ready for it yet.

Can you try and use number rhymes with him lots at home- can suggest some if you don't know any? Just generally try and bring numbers into use in a real context- how many plates do we need for tea, do you want one spoon of yoghurt or two etc. Let him hear people counting often so he knows the words, once he is confident reciting them then understanding what they mean will be the next step.

I think, just quite bluntly, that you want an assessment from the SENCO to see if he can access any additional help.

I'd say quite unusual Emkana
Not so much the writing though
Does he draw with purpose? If so writing should not present difficulties given time imvho

I think the concept of quantity re numbers is more important than rote reciting
Does he know quantities? Could he count 3 sweets say?
If all these are missing I'd definitely follow it up, it could be something or nothing though

Ok in that case I would just mention that you're concerned and ask if they could let you know if they are concerned at any point, and if they have any suggestions for ways you can help at home (if you want to).

I think the target is 20 by the end of the reception year.

Is he enjoying reception? Does he get 'stressed out' at not being able to count / write or is he happy?

The writing, no. The counting would worry me a little.

He's quite happy, oblivious to what he "should" be able to do.

Ds1 could count 10 objects (on a good day, with a following wind) by the end of reception. That was the target, apparently. In Feb last year (at 5.0) he could recite to about 8 I think, most of the time, and count about 5 objects.

Now he can recite up to 60, as long as you don't mind him missing out all the ones ending in 7 [sigh].

Emkana, I would be asking what they are doing to help him with the idea of numbers, the things Jade said - one number per object, and recognising that there are 2 or 3 objects. And ask exactly what they think he can do, just in case he's displaying hidden talents at school!