Get ready for primary school

3. Reading, writing and learning all about numbers

You can really give children a good start in learning how to read, write and learn about numbers by reading to them, telling them when you are writing a note or helping them to find the numbers on their birthday cards. For young children, learning these things is fun, exciting and enjoyable — have fun together by trying some of the ideas below.

Pre-schoolers (3 to 5 years)

  • Read stories they enjoy even if it’s the same one, time after time
  • Encourage your child to listen to jingles and songs, then sing along with them 
  • Talk about the things you write such as a shopping list and provide opportunities for your child to make their own list. Encourage your child to talk about the marks they make and what they mean.
  • Talk to your child about numbers in the environment such as the number on a door, sign or birthday cards. Provide lots of opportunities to count out everyday objects for example apples, spoons and toys.

Toddlers (18 months to 3 years)

  • Share books from local libraries and talk with your child about the pictures they see
  • Sing nursery rhymes with your child and make this part of your routine such as Twinkle Twinkle at bedtime 
  • Spread out large paper such as wallpaper on the floor, and provide your child with chalk or crayons to make marks of any kind 
  • Make the most of mark making outdoors with your child using chalk, sticks in mud, paint brushes and water or old washing up bottles to squirt water
  • Talk to your child about numbers everywhere such as your child's age, door numbers, or the number on the bus.
  • Model counting objects or movement with your child such as climbing the stairs or setting the table

Babies (Birth to 18 months)

  • Join the library and visit your local Best Start Family Hub for baby play sessions
  • Share books little and often with your baby to develop their focus and love of reading
  • Make singing rhymes to your baby part of your daily routine such as nappy change with 'Round and Round the Garden' and brushing teeth their teeth singing 'This is the Way We Brush Our Teeth'
  • Provide opportunities for your baby to make marks with a variety of soft foods such as custard and spaghetti
  • Sing number rhymes with your baby such as ‘1, 2, 3, 4, 5 Once I Caught a Fish Alive’ or ‘Five Little Spacemen’ and use hand gestures to help your child begin to recognise the numbers

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.