D's Playgroup

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We came across this really interesting article that we would love to share with parents. 💛

It focuses on why parents are making children under 5 write letters when they are not ready.

Pictured below are “prewriting patterns”, with the average (but not prescribed) age at which children are developmentally ready to achieve these patterns listed below them in years and months. Being able to process visual information and produce a movement in response (e.g. copying these prewriting patterns or letter formations), is known as “visual motor integration”. ⠀
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Note that an X is not typically achieved until 4 years 11 months, and a triangle at 5 years 3 months. If a child can’t form these basic shapes...then they probably won’t be able to form letters. ⠀
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It is quite concerning then that there are 3 year & 7 month olds starting formal schooling, where they’re expected to write. Not only are their visual motor integration skills not developed enough, their hands are also physically under-developed. In addition, recognising letters, understanding phonics and beginning to read are all needed in order for a child to write meaningfully, skills which children starting kindy typically don’t have. We also know that when a child learns something that doesn’t hold meaning, it‘s unlikely to stick. ⠀
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So if you have a 3-4 year old who spontaneously asks or attempts to write letters, that’s great; otherwise, there is no need to initiate or worry about this. Unfortunately there is a misconception, particularly with the way that the current curriculum stands, that earlier is better. Earlier is not always better 🙏🏻

Source: Beery Buktenica Test of Visual Motor Integration, 6th Edition
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Each and every child means more than you will ever know to us! We make it our mission to nurture them, encourage them, teach them and of course, we love to watch them grow and excel, that’s all the reward in the world 🌍

To view our school please contact us on 082 334 7516 - we would love to meet you

Our morning set up: puzzles, blocks and toys. This is our school, our home and our place of laughter, peace and friendship! Your children are always looked after and cherished at our school 😄

If you would like to view our school - contact us on 082 334 7516, we would love to meet you.

“Children see magic because they look for it.” - Christopher Moore 🍃

Here at D’s Playgroup we believe that the love of learning is fundamental, and so we strive to create an atmosphere of delight-directed learning to stimulate our toddlers curiosity about the world. 😄

Contact us on 082 334 7516 to arrange a visit! We would love to meet you

2019 - In a nutshell.

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