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 that I enjoy even if it’s the same one, time after time
- Encourage me to listen to jingles and songs – then try to sing them with me
- Talk about the things you write on a shopping list. Let me make my own list. Ask me to tell you about the marks I make and tell me what your writing says.
- Talk to me about the numbers on my birthday cards; Count out enough candles for my birthday cake
Toddlers (18 months to 3 years)
- Share books from the Book Start pack with me and talk about what we see in the pictures
- Say nursery rhymes to me so that I learn to join in even if I can’t say or remember all the words
- Spread out leftover wallpaper on the floor and give me chalks or felt pens to draw with — making marks of any kind is an achievement at this stage
- Introduce me to numbers such as our door number, my age or the number on the bus.
Babies (Birth to 18 months)
- Collect my Book Start pack when I’m born and look at them with me
- Join me in the local library and borrow and return books regularly
- Watch me make marks in spilled foods such as chocolate custard or in tomato sauce
- Sing nursery rhymes such as ‘1, 2, 3, 4, 5 once I caught a fish alive’ or ‘Five Little Spacemen’ and add props to help me enjoy the fun
Best Start Family Hubs
Our Best Start Family Hubs are one-stop shops where you can access all the help and support you need to make sure your child is healthy, safe and looked after. From maternity appointments and health visitor contacts to stay-and-play activities and breastfeeding support, you can access face-to-face support in our Family Hubs across Oldham.
Find your local Family Hub - Best Start Family Hub Website
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 recomend 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
- Tiny Happy People - BBC website
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