8 – 9

Useful information for 8 – 9 year olds. Click here

Building it into your day

It’ll amaze you how quickly your child learns at this age – they’re curious about everything they see and do. You can help them to make more sense of the world and how they fit in it by talking to them about their interests and opinions. Interacting with your child throughout the day and giving them opportunities to practise what they’re learning through real life situations can make a big difference.

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Ages and stages

Children at this age talk about past, present and future events. In reading aloud they use different tones of voice to show meaning and feeling. They use longer and more complex sentences when they are speaking. They like to try out different words and concepts. 

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Top Tips

  1. Listen to your child. Encourage them to tell you about things that interest them. Help your child to make decisions by discussing their ideas.
  2. Discuss with your child how reliable information is and whether the television, newspaper or website is trying to sell you something.
  3. Involve your child in everyday literacy and maths - making a list and check prices for shopping. When you are doing DIY in your house - seeing if there is enough space for a piece of furniture to fit.
  4. Encourage your child to enjoy reading by having a variety of books around your home - storybooks, poetry, factual books and books about topics they enjoy like animals, music and football.
  5. Listen to your child reading in short regular sessions. Encourage your child to read with expression. This will help them read more fluently.
  6. Encourage your child to write in their daily lives - birthday cards, telephone messages and keeping a diary.
  7. Play word games – ‘Stop the bus’ and ‘I spy’ with a letter - board games – Cluedo and Junior Scrabble and card games – Old Maid, Rummy with your child.