Phonics Stars Orpington, Sevenoaks & Westerham

When you first enter a Phonics Stars™️ session appears to be a well-structured playgroup – with children and parents enjoying numerous group and individual activities; often with huge grins all round.

Some of the activities are quiet, measured and engaging, others are noisy, energetic and joyful.
However, all of them have one common denominator; they involve interactive and enjoyable play, which also teaching valuable life skills and preparing the children’s minds and bodies for preschool and school life.

We believe in promoting learning through play. For it really is the best way!

This is something to work on as early as possible, especially when you want to somewhat master our last ‘Top Tip - Getting out the door’.

Our children are used to us stepping in and doing things for them and let’s face it, we often do it because we are in a hurry to get on with the next thing in our busy schedules.

Taking the time to encourage your child to be independent in dressing and un******ng is a vital skill for them to master before going to school.

There are some simple tricks children can learn which help them to slip into their coat independently.

Tune in to tomorrow’s post for this 😊

Our best advice for this is to have a schedule/routine and if it’s possible, try stick to it as much as you can.

However, let’s be realistic, sometimes things are easier said than done.

Be kind to yourself and allow a little extra time in your routine for those occasional mornings when everything goes wrong..... when there's no milk or you’ve forgotten to make the packed lunch, the children need to go to the toilet as you are just about to walk out of the door…

Creating a visual timetable can be really helpful for not only you but your children too. Try to stick to the schedule and 99% of the time it will work and you will be there on time. Good luck!

For that 1% when you’re late, don't beat yourself up about it...... we are all late sometimes. That’s life 😊

Another Phonics Stars™️ top tip…

The best advice is to not focus on the writing to start off with.
You need to first of all focus on fine motor skills, these are essential for developing the ability to write effectively.

Children generally pass through these stages:

✏️ 1 - 2 years- pencil held with whole fist. Movement comes from the shoulder. Children scribble with their whole arm.

✏️ 2-3 years- Palm faces down and all four fingers grip the pencil with the index finger pointing down. Movement comes from the elbow. Children draw circles, horizontal and verticle lines.

✏️ 3-4 years - pencil is held with 4 fingers and the thumb like a dart. Movement comes from the wrist. Children draw zigzags, crosses and simple people.

✏️ 4-6 years tripod - the thumb, index and middle finger hold the pencil. Quadrupod - a forth finger also holds the pencil. Movement comes from the wrist. Children draw diagnol lines and squares.

✏️ 5 - 7 years The pencil is held between the index finger and thumb and supported by the middle finger. The other fingers are tucked into the palm. Movement comes from the fingers which helps when writing a letter.

These are rough ages, some children will hit them sooner than others. Working on developing muscles through fine motor work helps children to progress through the stages. Its all about working those mighty muscles! 💪

As our children transition from being a 'big fish in a small pond to a small fish in a big pond', that pond can seem a bit daunting to such young people.

As parents, carers and teachers, we can try to boost their confidence and try to alleviate all those worries so that they can happily look forward to an exciting adventure of learning and fun.

Your little one may already attend our classes, which is great, you’ve already exposed them to some really good learning opportunities that support starting school.

We understand that children and parents may well be experiencing a range of different emotions due to this transition.

We want you to know that this is okay, it’s perfectly normal for both you and your child to feel excited or apprehensive.

Starting something new may bring with it feelings that haven’t been felt before, therefore some children might display emotions they’ve not shared before. Change can feel unsettling but also exciting.

Children and adults might find expressing or talking about these feelings challenging. Use opportunities to talk, listen, share thoughts and ideas in a range of ways. Use play such as mini world toys, draw pictures together or make little books.

It can be helpful to show their children photos of their teacher from the school website and do a practice run of the journey, make it extra fun and follow a simple map to get to school.
Perhaps they could take their new book bags with them to make them feel more grown up.

Some children might benefit from support to ease any anxiety they maybe experiencing especially if they missed their transition days and meet the teachers. Making a visual timetable can be useful as well as reading books about starting school.

Emphasise how much fun they are going to have. If you can find time to meet up with other children starting in their class.

Above all, encourage children’s confidence by building independence through love, patience and through play.

Stay tuned for more top tips coming soon…

We love working closely with local preschool and nursery settings, children’s centres and holding classes for children and their parents/carers within community spaces.

Read on to find out what Preschool and Nurseries have to say about their experience of working with Phonics Stars.

Phonics is more than letters! We believe passionately about children learning through play, movement, dance and creativity. Building muscle, developing listening skills and confidence.

Find out more, send an enquiry to [email protected] or call 07852278956

💡Fridays Fun Fact! 📚

🧸Did you know that if you read one book a day to your child, they will have heard 1825 books by their 5th birthday? 🎂

❤️What is your child’s favourite storybook and what do you enjoy reading together? 🥰

Goodbye Half Term, and Hello Phonics Stars™️ Children and Families!

🌟 Welcome back 🌟

We hope you enjoyed your half term?

We’re so happy to be back to play with you all again this last term before the new academic year starts in September!

See you soon. Keep shining because you are all amazing 💕🌟