Getting Ready for School A big step for small feet!

Being grown up Getting dressed & undressed – including socks/tights Changing from shoes to wellies and back again Putting on and taking off our coat (hat, scarf, gloves…) - gold stars for doing buttons and zips Washing hands independently Using a knife, fork and spoon Choosing their own food Tidying away toys Asking an adult for help Using the toilet independently

Movement and Control Fun at the park/in the garden – running, jumping, climbing, swinging… Scooters, bikes…. give them a challenge, eg: weaving in and out, stopping at a specific point Other children – interaction in different contexts Playdough – rolling, squeezing, poking, pulling, nipping, Using tools – scissors especially Tiny toys – beads on threads, lego. lacing and threading, Baking and cooking – mixing, stirring, pouring, rolling

Reading and writing Enjoying stories and books Talking about the story/using it in their play Songs and rhymes Recognising their own name Fine motor activities Encourage a good grip with fingers Mark making with lots of different media Writing their name Correct letter formation right from the start Listening to sounds all around Using letter sound (not letter names) Do not write in capital letters

Maths Songs and rhymes Count stairs, chips, bags into the car, plates at the table Use shape names/language in play Notice same/different Talk about size/weight/capacity Use language associated with time, eg: today, tomorrow, yesterday, this week, days/months Encourage correct formation once they begin to experiment with recording numbers

Be a ‘Talk-a-lot’ family Research has shown how valuable this is Ask questions – lots of different kinds Comment on things around you

What about you? Be excited with them Keep us informed Keep talking to us – no question is too daft! Any questions