Get ready for primary school

2. Learning Through Talking and Playing Together

Your interactions with your child are the most important thing you can do to support them as 90% of your child's brain growth happens before the age of 5. Right from the start, all those little moments you spend together are building their brain.

Every smile, cuddle, chat and game makes a huge difference, helping them learn to communicate, develop confidence and make friends.

Below are some ideas that will help to support your child's communication.

Pre-schoolers (3 to 5 years)

  • Encourage your child to listen and recreate sounds around you, for example cars and birds whilst outside
  • Talk with your child about what they are doing using longer sentences to develop their language 
  • Involve your child and talk through everyday activities for example when preparing food, encouraging them to pour, mix and chop
  • Praise your child when they learn a new skill or find a new way to do something such as reaching up to open a door or ring a door bell
  • Encourage your child to play role playing games such as making a shop or using a cardboard box to make a rocket

Toddlers (18 months to 3 years)

  • Encourage your toddler to listen to different sounds and musical instruments. Crisp packets, keys and banging on boxes all make interesting noises! You can make shakers using empty plastic bottles or cups with rice inside.
  • Talk with your toddler using short, simple sentences, describing what you are doing together. Listen to them and respond to their sounds, words and gestures
  • Get out and about in Oldham’s fantastic green spaces or check out the trail and playground in the town centre. Support your toddler to find their shoes, put their arms in their sleeves and put on their own hat.
  • Encourage your toddler to explore and be curious! Try simple activities like building, role play and sensory play. Stay and Play sessions at the Family Hubs are perfect for this!

Babies (Birth to 18 months)

  • Encourage your baby to communicate by responding to their sounds, facial expressions and gestures. Back and forth interactions are so important because they help babies learn how communication works!
  • Use everyday routines like nappy changing, getting dressed and face to face time pushing the pram as opportunities to talk. Make your voice sound interesting and point out things along the way!
  • Everyday items are great for baby play. Pull funny faces in the mirror and let your baby look at themselves. Try out peek a boo with a scarf and when they are old enough to hold things, let your baby explore wooden spoons, boxes for hiding and filling, soft material and brushes. Play with these together so you know they are safe.
  • Spend time with family, friends and other babies. You could also check out a Baby Play session at a Family Hub.

Best Start Family Hubs

Best Start Family Hubs are support centres that bring different services together in one place for families with children aged 0–19, or up to 25 for those with additional needs. Each Best Start Family Hub is a 'one-stop shop’ where you can find guidance from the Integrated Children and Families Service to keep your child healthy, safe, and looked after.  

We’re here to help you and your family in our seven Best Start Family Hubs and wherever you need us, including in community spaces throughout Oldham and in your home. Our services are designed to give your children the best start in life, and you can access support, activities, and events in our Best Start Family Hubs throughout your children’s lives.  

Find your local Best Start Family Hub here. Follow us on social media:

50 Things To Do Before You're Five

50 Things To Do is about giving all children the best start in life. It is based on the simple idea that quality time as a family away from screens enjoying the indoors and outdoors together. This is a great way to support children’s development. That’s why we’ve put together 50 fun, low or no-cost activities for you to explore and an enjoy at your own pace. Why not download the app where you can capture your memories with photos, print out certificates and find out about local events.

50 Things To Do Before You're Five - website

Videos

We highly recommend visiting the Tiny Happy People BBC website, which includes videos and further information on the topics covered here and the subject of Getting Ready for School

Online Support

My First Day at School - A great game from the BBC KS1 support section to play with your child. Help your child create his/her character and pick a school jumper, then explore the school and find all the different activities to play.

Visit the BBC Bitesize website to access the game - My First Day at School

If you have any concerns about a childs safety or wellbeing, more information can be found here.