I was wondering if anyone else here has a child in preschool and has noticed cognitive issues. The teacher asks a question and the child answers something completely different or has difficulty writing their own name. I am not sure the best way to go about helping her learn her letters in a fun way, also helping her write her name is seeming to be an issue. She appears totally normal and is the most pleasant child you ever want to meet. I just don't know what to do after having had a conference with teachers, the school psych and the program admin. they gave me some hints but I am really unsure. - Alexandra
Answer
Some ideas for the fine motor skills; writing in wiping cream/shaving cream (fun to do in the tub), writing on a chalkboard, stringing beads, playing with silly putty/playdoh/ or if you don't want the mess a squeezey ball works or anytihng that has to do with squeezing it. Occupational therapy was helping with my son and his fine motor skills.
Preschool is basically a time for the child to get used to being away from home. Not necessarily a time for structured learning. So I wouldn't really worry about these things until later when she is a little older. - Sherry
First thing you should do, if you haven't already, is to contact your local school system and request a complete developmental evaluation. This is free of charge. - Lynn
Preschool kids, and up through Kindergarten and even somewhat into 1st grade, often write letters backwards, whole words backwards sometimes. They will mix up letters that seem similar to them (for reasons you may not understand). Their name is usually the first word they can write, but not always. And if their name is constantly being written different ways (all upper case, first letter upper and rest lower, all lower case, nickname vs. full name vs. first name and last initial) it can confuse them. In a preschool it's best if their name is written on every paper they do, and written in the same way. That's the teacher or parent writing the name, not expecting the child to do it properly every time. But so the child will see how their name is written, and have it be the same, every time. - Curious
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