How can I help my under 5 year old?
Record your child's progress
The two booklets shown below are designed to allow you to keep a record of your child's progress at the ages of 3 and 4. You can download these and complete them with your child to give you a lasting record to keep.
At the end of the Reception year, children's learning will be assessed against a number of key areas called the Early Learning Goals (ELG). We have a wide range of worksheets to help. Popular story books: such as The very hungry caterpillar and My dad is brilliant, can be used to teach the Early Learning goals. To see more, use the links on the right hand menu
We have plenty of ideas to encourage your child to love reading. Click here to read more... We have given you general suggestions on learning to read and the beginning of phonics, writing and number work.Make sure you check out our extensive book review section, especially the Books for Babies and Picture Books.
You can help to familiarise your child with computers from an early age. Your child will gain confidence in using the keyboard and mouse, and these help to develop letter recognition and fine motor skills. Children's learning can really be enhanced by judicious use of some of the excellent electronic games available, such as the Leapfrog range.
There are so many ways in which incidental teaching can be enjoyed at home, and much of the time we do this without even realising it. Counting the steps as you walk upstairs, talking about weights as you make a cake, sorting out the washing by colour - this is all learning. When you read to your child they will develop a love of books - and this will be rreinforced by them seeing you enjoy books. We live in a busy world and the temptation If you take time to cook, to paint, to swim and to play with your child, you will help them improve their concentration, and gain confidence and maturity.
There are so many ways to help your child through games and play. Riding a bicycle or scooter teaches balance; throwing and catching a ball teaches eye control and co-ordination, kicking a ball will help physical development; playing I-spy develops observation and helps early phonic skills; jigsaws help with concentration... the list is almost endless!
Through play the foundations of the ‘three R's - reading, writing and arithmetic - are established and soon it is time to become more aware of getting ready for formal learning. Recognising their own name, the beginning of counting and being able to dress themselves are key skills that will make the transition to nursery or Reception much easier. Children all learn at different rates - every child walks at a different time, begins to talk at a different time and develops physically when they are ready.
Young children will play alongside others, but often concentrating on their own game. As they mature, they will begin to interact more and playing with other children increases confidence, shares experiences and stimulates social skills. Encouraging your child to socialise is one of the most important skills you can give them.