Helping your child at home

Here are some suggestions about how you can support your child's learning and development at home.

Encouraging Independence

When children come into Nursery, we encourage them to be independent, for skills such as:  

• Taking their coats on and off (trying to do zips)
• Taking their shoes on and off 
• Using the toilet by themselves 

It is important to develop children's self-esteem and co-ordination skills. These skills can be practised at home.

Communication and Language Skills

 Developing speaking and listening skills is really important.

• At family meal times, encourage all family members to speak, listen and talk to each other, taking it in turns.
• Read books and stories to your child, especially at bed time.
• Take advantage of car / bus journeys to play games like: 'I Spy'.

Number and Maths Opportunities

 Encourage number language in play and everyday situations:

• When you are out shopping, you could ask your child to help by asking them to get you 3 apples or 2 bananas.
• At bath time, see if your child can count items in the bathroom such as ducks, toys or tiles.
• You could ask your child to help you set the table - can they get out 3 forks, 4 spoons, etc?
• On car / bus journeys - play simple games for example 'how many red cars can you see . . . ?'

Physical (Gross and Fine Motor) Development

Encourage your child to be physically active everyday.

• Walk to Nursery
• Visit the local park, have a go on the climbing equipment
• Ride bikes / scooters
• Kick a football 

Hungry Little Minds – Simple fun, activities for kids aged 0 – 5 (campaign.gov.uk)

Simple, fun activities for kids, from newborn to five