Why kids lose confidence before school starts (and how to prevent it)
Long holidays, routine changes, and new expectations can make children feel unsure. Confidence often dips because practice becomes irregular, not because ability disappears. Prevent this by keeping short daily beats, celebrating tiny wins, and focusing on familiarity rather than performance.
The 3-part weekly routine (phonics, writing/grammar, speaking)
Balance practice across three small areas each week: quick phonics refreshers to keep decoding sharp, short writing or grammar tasks to keep structure tidy, and tiny speaking sessions to retain fluency and confidence.
The “10-10-10” plan (10 mins each) for busy parents
If time is tight, do three 10-minute slots each day: 10 minutes phonics, 10 minutes writing/grammar, 10 minutes speaking. These short, focused bursts beat infrequent long sessions and slot easily into busy days.
Week 25 plan (7 days, 20–30 mins/day total) — day-by-day
This seven-day plan mixes the 3-part routine into manageable daily steps. Aim for 20–30 minutes total per day; split into short chunks that suit your schedule.
Day-by-day (exact)
- Day 1 — Phonics focus (20–30 min): quick warm-up, 10-minute decodable reading, 10-minute sound game.
- Day 2 — Writing + grammar (20–30 min): a 10-minute sentence frame activity and a 10-minute gentle edit.
- Day 3 — Speaking (20–30 min): 10-minute spotlight routine and a 10-minute fun prompt or show-and-tell.
- Day 4 — Mix (20–30 min): 10 min phonics, 10 min writing practice, short read aloud.
- Day 5 — Practice with a friend/family (20–30 min): short sharing or mini-showcase.
- Day 6 — Quick diagnostic (20–30 min): short checks to spot anything needing a little more practice.
- Day 7 — Celebrate & plan (20–30 min): review wins and set two small goals for the next 4 weeks.
What to prioritize by age (3–5 / 6–7 / 8–10) — simple
Keep priorities age-appropriate: For 3–5 focus on letter sounds, listening games, and speaking in full sentences. For 6–7 prioritise phonics blends, simple sentence writing, and short talks. For 8–10 emphasise reading fluency, paragraph-level writing, and structured speaking (hook–body–close).
Home environment tips (study corner, device rules, habit stacking)
Create a predictable corner with minimal distractions, set simple device rules during practice, and use habit stacking: attach a short session to an existing routine (after breakfast or before evening play). Keep materials handy: a small box with story cards, word cards, and a timer.
Troubleshooting (resistance, tantrums, “I’m not good”, low attention)
If a child resists, reduce the task and celebrate the attempt: “Two minutes and done.” For tantrums, pause and return later with a playful prompt. If they say “I’m not good,” respond with specific praise about effort and one tiny next step. For low attention, switch to a game or a different modality (audio, physical activity) to re-engage.
A simple progress tracker parents can use (Notes app checklist)
Use a Notes app list with three columns: Date | Activity | Done. Track brief entries like “Phonics: 5 words” or “Speak: 15s spotlight.” Check daily boxes and add one short note on what improved.
Gentle CTA to Tiny Steps (book trial / explore courses)
If you’d like guided support, Tiny Steps offers short trials and targeted courses that match each weekly focus. Consider a trial if you want a teacher-led plan to run alongside home practice.
Parent scripts
Short scripts to keep tone warm: “Two minutes and done — let’s try one small thing.” “That was great — I liked how you sounded the word.” “Thank you for sharing — what part did you like best?”
End-of-week checklist and “next 4 weeks” suggestion
- End-of-week: 1) One short read aloud, 2) One edited sentence, 3) One 15–30s spotlight.
Next 4 weeks: repeat the 3-part routine, focusing on two small targets identified this week. Keep sessions short and celebrate progress weekly.