Ready For School

Buying materials

• English
• Mathematics
• Science and Technology
• Art and Music
• Books for adults

Buying Materials

There is a wide range of commercially produced material which will help you to support your child's early learning. The materials listed below will support the activities suggested in the main body of the document.

English - Reading

It is strongly recommended that children have early access to books. Children are welcome to join Bexley libraries from babyhood. Picture books and early readers are available for loan and each library has a professional librarian, for at least part of the week, who will give advice on suitable books.

The following authors write books which are very popular with young children and are generally recommended by schools and libraries. These are available from libraries and can be purchased from good book shops and at the Early Learning Centre chain of shops, which has a branch at Bexleyheath.

There is a range of computer software on the market which introduces a variety of reading related activities to children. Your supplier will be able to advise on material suitable for your computer but the following software would give your child valuable experiences of books and early reading skills.

• P.B. BEARS BIRTHDAY PARTY
  (Dorling and Kindersley)
  An interactive story for the very first readers.

• TOPSY AND TIM GO TO SCHOOL
  An interactive multi-media story.

English - Listening and talking

Many of the books above are available with cassettes. Access to some of these will encourage listening skills.

A book for parents which contains advice and activities to share with young children to extend their listening and speaking skills is TALKING AND YOUR CHILD (positive parenting) published by Hodder and Stoughton.

The same firm publishes HOME LEARNING BOOKS, which are supported by the National Confederation of Parent Teacher Associations.

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Mathematics

A range of games involving matching similar pairs are available at the Early Learning Centre. These will extend language, concentration and observation skills. Card games, such as happy families, develop the same skills.

Counting games such as Ludo or Snakes and Ladders help children with matching the spoken numeral to one movement/square as well as developing the notions of taking turns and winning and losing.

A simple large calculator is an enjoyable item and excites children's interest in numbers. There are a range of computer programmes available which help with number recognition, etc. The following are readily available in local stores:

• PLAY AND LEARN AT THE ZOO -
  colour recognition, matching, etc., includes some reading related activities

• MILLIE'S MATHS HOUSE -
  activities including numbers, shapes and patterns

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Science and Technology

Magnifying glasses interest children and draw their attention to the need to observe closely. A collecting box with a magnifier in the lid encourages sustained observation.

Construction toys -
Duplo, Lego, etc.
give practice in designing and dexterity.

Art and Music

The Early Learning Centre has a range of materials for early experiments with colour, painting, drawing and modelling. They also stock a range of simple musical instruments and taped songs.

Books for Adults

If you are interested in learning more about helping your child there are a range of books for parents on the market. Most Bexley libraries have a parents' shelf and the librarian will be happy to help. There are also "special situation" picture books available there to help your child adjust to a change, like going to hospital, or the death of a pet.

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