reception

[Beth2537]

Please can you tell me what stage children are expected to be at with mark making when starting reception? Boys in particular

thanks

Early years teacher here. I would expect a wide range from those who could write their name and some simple words like cat for example and hold a pencil correctly to those who would make very simple marks with the pencil in the palm of their hand. That's both extremes of normal. Generalising a lot, often boys don't choose to mark make in continuous provision preferring to build, make etc. If you are worried I'd try lots of fine motor things at home like playdoh, writing in sand with a tiger, writing in water on walls (outside!) All helpful skills for early writing!

katycb at writing in sand with a tiger. That would take quite a high level of skill!
I agree though, I teach Y1 and there is such variation. Some children can write perfectly legible long pieces of writing and some can barely write their name. Not much difference in terms of gender tbh.

Hahaha finger not tiger...blinking phone and my fat fingers....

Aw, gutted, was just about to try writing in sand with a model tiger's tail.... Might still try actually.

I mean that would still be good fine motor practice also look up Early Years Emily Dough Disco on YouTube...hours of fine motor fun!