Trying to prepare my child for primary school

[Justmuddlingalong101]

Hey! My child is about to turn 5 and going to be heading to Primary School soon! I'm really worried that he's not going to be prepared enough to learn properly.

He's practically obsessed with his tablet (well, it's not just his). Just wondering if there are any learning-based apps that would help him. Thanks so much!

I think tablets can be useful and schools use them and DD learned a lot. But, i feel too many are relying too much on it.

Especially fine motor skills are better practice by hands on with beads, play dough, colouring, cutting with scissors. You need to train the muscles in the hand in order to be able to write.

A tablet is also no replacement to interaction like a board game is or a letter app a replacement to reading a book or having a book read to a child.

I slightly concerned about my dd, having read some of the posts. She knows her letters and colours, but doesn't recognise numbers or shapes. She can't write her name, but can recognise it. I'm so worried, that she will be behind all the children in her new reception class. She had her first settling session at her school last week and went in confidently. Her pre school has said that she needs to recognise her numbers and shapes, before she starts school, as there will be an expectation that she should know them. Practically, she can get herself dressed, toilet trained etc, so no concerns there. She has just turned four, so will be one do the younger ones. Should I be worrying?

Tulip81 No. There is a huge range of ability in most reception classes.

(I am sure you do do this already but) I would concentrate on recognising numbers when you're out and about, just as part of conversation. A simple number puzzle or jigsaw might also be beneficial. Practice makes perfect.

For all new starters, I would also add self care like recognising they need the toilet, being able to use the toilet independently and washing hands.

Carrying a tray for lunch, or opening boxes or packets if they'll bring their own.

Show them how to recognise their own property by looking for their name label etc.

I'm not a fan of tablets for children, I have to admit. Get them out playing.