reception child - tips on getting them to practice their reading and writing

[uhfku9879]

Looking for any tips on getting my four year old to practice their reading and writing. I get they are tired and just want to play but my kid's school keeps reminding us that we should practice with them at home. But how best to go about it?

We did reading through a star chart as DD really wasn’t keen and writing I tried to make part of activities so I’d get her to write out the shopping list or do craft type things that involved a little writing

Writing shopping lists, birthday cards, list of friends and other everyday things

Reading what they enjoy - sometimes that is getting a comic/magazine and taking in turns to read with them, other times mine like to read what is written on a cereal box/other packaging. Reading the shopping list in supermarket and finding the item - my 4yo loves this!

Ultimately, I found finding things we already do worked until they develop a desire to do it themselves. My older one enjoys writing little letters and cards to friends and then sticking stickers on them, I leave them to it!

Tat magazines from the shop

Use play, that is how they should be learning. Role play is a great way to do this - play cafe, shopping, office etc.

Also remember the reading and writing does not need to take place on paper and pencil. Shaving foam on a tray, rice on a tray, bath crayons, etc for reading I used lists, recipes etc.

How often did everyone try to get them to write? With reading, I think we're meant to do it every day but with writing?

writing I wouldn't say my (now yr 1) child really wanted to do much of until she could start forming sounds- so the spring term. She started by writing on her pictures- she loves colouring.
We read every night so just added her books from school into that. She was sent home with sound cards and we would do them at random parts of the day. Dressed for school with time to spare, quick sound cards. Enroute to school spot the letters in number plates. She then had maths homework, online games, so after her snack coming in from school, do 2 games then back to playing/tv.
Short bursts daily works best for little ones I think.

With reading I felt routine has helped. We tend to have more time to fill in the morning so I do it each day during or after breakfast. At first he was reluctant but now asks to read his book. I can also tell he is more confident with his reading (due to progress at school) which helps.Writing I just use every opportunity like the above poster and try to write when he is writing - paper and pencils are always accessible at the dining room table. Doesn’t look as tidy but worth it to remind us both the use them.

For reading, games were a big plus for my DS at that age. Even when the words were beyond him, he was very taken with Top Trumps (helps with counting too). Even if he didn't know the words, and clearly he didn't, it was great to talk about which (dinosaur top trumps were the favourite) might be the biggest/heaviest etc. And being read to. The same book over and over, and words will be recognized quite quickly. Writing is much harder. My DS didn't really get it until Year4 - when the teacher allowed those who had 'passed' to use a pen rather than a pencil. Great incentive! I would suggest for pen control then colouring in, simple dot to dot, etc. They will get it at some point, and there is nothing worse than everyone getting exhausted and cross with making too much of a thing about it.

Christmas cards soon, if they're a thing at your child's school. Start early, two/three a day, don't take in until all done. I remember DD starting with the kids with the shortest names!

Look up 5 minute mum, she's an ex hlta and full of wonderful plauful ideas. I am a senco and follow her for ideas myself!