[SENco-forum] Re Literacy/Formal Schooling at 7

I agree that children are pushed too much & too early.  If it is expected
they cannot tie shoelaces until 7 then neither can they write properly.
Much time is spent on the mechanics of shoelace tying and little on the
sequential skills needed to write.  Pre-school -age 7 should be for directed
play, crafts and with plenty of music and movement to gear up those fine &
gross motor skills for what will then be expected of them. Exposure to
information and experiences without any pressure of KS1 testing and then
perhaps more would be ready for learning.

I like the idea of delaying the time for both reading & writing.  At the
moment however for  those with likely SpLD the cry is  ' we cannot test at
the moment as it might be developmental delay'  thus leaving children
unsupported in a very demanding educational system for 2 years and having to
take tests, until any assessment is offered, if then.

One of the factors of dyslexia is that there is developmental delay.  When
everyone else is tying shoelaces, mastering phonics, writing, riding a bike
at age 7 there is often another 3 year time lag until they can master the
same skill.  Likewise those with dyspraxia or any procioceptor feedback
(muscle memory) problems.  They need that initial extra time for more
understanding or additional support until they do achieve success.

Sharon

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