The results of the latest phonics tests for year 2 children (Four out of five year one pupils pass phonics test, 30 September) demonstrates the folly of teaching young children to read and write before either their fine motor skills are ready, or a wide exposure to language in the form of stories, social interactions and play has occurred. Boys famously lag behind with their motor skills and not all children had bedtime stories read to them or had wide social networks to participate in. This is why in many advanced countries formal learning doesn’t begin until at least six, more often seven, when the infant classes of learning through play, socialisation and imagination, plus simple human biology has brought everyone to a more level playing field.
My own slow son had figured himself to be “useless and no good” by the end of year 2, and even now, in year 6, as able as any, he still carries that sense of himself. This cart-before-horse education system is damaging children. Stop all this testing of teachers and start doing what’s best for our children.
Victoria Trow
Totnes, Devon
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