DD1 - help with reading/ hiring tutor?

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My DD1 will be into reception. I know one retired primary teacher in the area and I am thinking whether to boost my dd1 interest in reading etc by taking 30 min lesson with that teacher a week. I know I can help with reading to0 - but it would be a different relationship. I think DD1 would enjoyed input of other people... I will do reading with her as well.

Sending your reception child to a tutor isn't a great way to boost interest in reading. She is going to get input from other people once she starts school. Enjoy books with her and let her see you reading for pleasure rather than turn it into a lesson.

I really wouldn't bother with a tutor for reading in reception. All they need is little and often. I take it your dd will be starting in September? Chances are she will start with picture books, where she has to look at the pictures and tell you the story from there, moving onto simple words and phrases. My ds's school also sent home word lists to practise and simple games to play with them.

Other things you can do is to let her see you reading, maybe when you're out and about point out the odd thing. Also make sure she is read a bed time story. Your dd's reception teacher will have other strategies too if you ask.

There is no need. She will start learning as soon as she starts in September!

My DD knew very little about phonics - just a few of the letter sounds really - when she started but she is reading perfectly well now, she hasn't suffered from not being 'ahead' at the start. She really enjoyed learning with her classmates, I don't think she would've enjoyed it nearly as much on her own, whether with me or a tutor.