Confidence in reception year

[Luluboohoo]

Ok I have just had our first parents evening. I obvious totally ignored all the positives and just taken away the negative.

Ok so my nearly 5 year old is very clingy in class when I drop her off in morning, the teacher said that she also finds it hard to speak in a class of strong personalities.
She does not attend any after school clubs at present due to her being tired after school.

I want to increase her confidence I know some classes willl do this. Can anyone else offer advise on other ways I can support her to slowly increase her confidence.

The teacher also suggested play dates after school, I am quite shy in myself and not sure where to start with asking other mums for playdates. I tried one and got a no which did not help. Where do I start? I am not a very confident person myself and it worries me her being like me.

Thanks

Rainbows is very good, although usually oversubscribed. I'd see if you can find a group for her.

Maybe practise some scenarios with her- get her to be the teacher or you be the teacher. 'Play' at putting her hand up and saying something, give her a line to repeat.

She's still very very little. It is okay to be shy. Can she make her needs and wants known?

You don't need to invite the parent on a play date so no need to feel shy yourself or do you mean you feel shy whilst asking the parent?

Would she be interested in a performing arts class? My ds does ballet/tap, but Stagecoach do a more general singing/acting/dancing weekly class.

I would consider the after school club too. My son does 3 days per week, I work so I don't have a choice about it. He loves it and gives him a great opportunity to mix and make friends with other kids across the year groups too.