Supporting your child's learning at home

Supporting your child's leanring at home is a wonderful way to help them feel confident, capable and excited about their next steps! Here are some ideas to nurture their deveopment and prepare them for school: 

1. Build Independence Skills

Encouraging "I can do it!" moments:

Let them practice putting on coats, shoes, and managing zips or buttons.

Encourage independent toileting and handwashing.

Involve them in tidying up toys and helping with simple tasks.

2. Develop Communication and Language

Boost confidence in speaking and understanding:

Chat throughout the day—describe what you’re doing and ask open-ended questions.

Play listening games like “Simon Says” or “I spy.”

Tell stories together—let them finish familiar parts or invent their own endings.

3. Make Reading Part of Every Day

Foster a love of books:

Read together daily and talk about the pictures, characters, and events.

Visit the library and let your child choose books.

Point out letters and words in the environment (signs, labels, etc.).

4. Practice Early Writing and Mark Making

Build strength and coordination:

Let them draw, paint, scribble, and write with crayons, chalk, or pencils.

Encourage writing their name or making “lists” or cards in play.

Use playdough, tweezers, and threading to develop hand muscles.

5. Support Early Maths Through Play

Make maths fun and meaningful:

Count steps, snacks, toys, or anything in everyday life.

Use words like “more,” “less,” “big,” “small,” “next to,” and “under.”

Play with puzzles, blocks, shapes, and matching or sorting games.

6. Encourage Imaginative and Role Play

Support social and emotional development:

Provide dress-up clothes, pretend kitchen tools, or shop items.

Act out real-life situations like going to the doctor or supermarket.

Let them play with others when possible to practise sharing and turn-taking.

7. Spend Time Outdoors

Learning isn’t just indoors:

Go for nature walks and talk about what you see and hear.

Run, climb, balance, and ride scooters or bikes.

Collect leaves, stones or sticks and use them for sorting or crafts.

At this age, children learn best through play and real experiences. Keep learning fun, relaxed, and responsive to their interests. Your encouragement and praise are powerful motivators!