Two and Beyond

Your child's learning journey

These short videos look at your child’s journey from being ready to learn at the age of two to being ready for school at the age of five.

Throughout the videos we will look at the skills your child is learning on the journey to starting school and how you can support your child to develop these skills.

Whether your child has just turned two and is at the start of this learning journey or is already on the way, these videos are for you.

We recognise all children will learn at different paces; if you have any concerns there is information at the bottom of this page on where to get further support.

I can cope being away from my caregiver

Learn how children build confidence and feel secure when separated from their main caregiver.

Top Tip: Sew a little kiss into the cuff of your child’s sweatshirt – if they miss you during the school day, they can find a kiss from you.

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I can usually communicate my ideas needs and feelings

Discover how children develop communication skills to express their thoughts, needs and emotions.

Top Tip: Explore how your child can express feelings through colours, e.g. red = angry; blue = sad

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I can sometimes take turns and share

Find out how children begin to learn important social skills such as sharing and taking turns.

Top Tip: Play games that involve turn-taking, like snap or snakes & ladders.

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I can play both alone and in a group

Learn how children develop independence through solo play and cooperation through play with others.

Top Tip: Arrange play dates with children that will be going to the same school.

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I can able to concentrate for short periods of time

Understand how children develop their attention and focus through everyday activities and play.

Top Tip: Try not to interrupt your child while they are concentrating – let them know that you have noticed how long they have been ‘on task’ when they have finished what they were doing.

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I am able to follow simple instructions and make some simple choice

Explore how children learn to follow directions and make age-appropriate decisions.

Top Tip: Play Simon says, ready, steady go games, musical statues; choose a book at the library

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I am able to chat, sing some songs and rhymes, and share books

Discover how conversations, songs, rhymes and books support early language and literacy skills.

Top Tip: Pay a visit to the library and join in with Rhyme Time or Story Time

The Hampshire Happy Talkers speech, language and communication pathway has been designed for parents and professionals, providing help and resources to support communication development for children aged 0-5. The information within the pathway is suitable for all levels of need from universal offers through to more specialists help to ensure there is something to meet the needs of all children.

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I am able to have a go at new experiences and keep trying

Learn how children build resilience, confidence and a willingness to try new things.

Top Tip: Notice the effort when your child keeps trying, even if they get frustrated and tell them how proud they must be when they achieve what they set out to do

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I have a healthy lifestyle

Find out how healthy eating, physical activity and good daily routines support children's wellbeing.

Top Tip: Nutrition, sleep, exercise, relaxation, good hygiene and a nurturing environment all contribute to a healthy lifestyle!

If you would like to learn more about having a healthy lifestyle ajoin a free Family Food and Fun session in your local community.

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I can relax and I have a regular bedtime

Learn why rest, relaxation and consistent bedtime routines are important for young children.

Top Tip: Keep the last hour of the day screen-free and as calm and quiet as possible.

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I can use cutlery, drink from a cup and eat by myself

Explore how children develop independence and self-help skills at mealtimes.

Top Tip: Practice cutlery skills by playing with playdough

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I get dressed by myself and clean my teeth with some help

Learn how children develop everyday self-care skills such as dressing and toothbrushing.

Top Tip: Get involved in role play - let your child dress themselves in their school uniform and P.E. kit and pretend to be at school.

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I go to the toilet on my own and wash my hands afterwards

Find out how children develop independence with toileting and personal hygiene.

Top Tip: Make a visual sequence chart to guide your child through the processes of using the toilet and washing hands

Find out more potty training on the ERIC website.

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Applying for school when the time comes

A guide to the school application process in Hampshire and how to prepare for your child's move to school.

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Further Support

ChatHealth

ChatHealth is a confidential text support service for parents, carers, families and young people in Hampshire. Trained local nurses will be on the other side responding to your messages, and are experienced in a wide range of health and wellbeing concerns you may have. As well as giving advice, the team can signpost to appropriate services. Any text sent outside opening hours will receive an automated message with advice of where to get help if their question is urgent. Out-of-hours texts will be replied to within one working day.

Text 07520 615720
Monday - Friday 9.00am - 4.00pm (exc. bank holidays)

Join a free session in your local community

Our free Two and Beyond face-to-face sessions happen across Hampshire in a community venue near you. You are welcome to bring your child/ren to this session, we will have plenty of activities and toys to keep them entertained. Please let us know their age when you book your space on Eventbrite.

After the session, you will receive a digital toolkit of resources to support you and your family in your child’s learning journey.

Book your space on Eventbrite

Let us know what you thought of these videos

Please let us know what you thought of this video by completing our short feedback form.

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Two and Beyond

Your child's learning journey

These short videos look at your child’s journey from being ready to learn at the age of two to being ready for school at the age of five.

I can cope being away from my caregiver

I can usually communicate my ideas needs and feelings

I can sometimes take turns and share

I can play both alone and in a group

I can able to concentrate for short periods of time

I am able to follow simple instructions and make some simple choice

I am able to chat, sing some songs and rhymes, and share books

I am able to have a go at new experiences and keep trying

I have a healthy lifestyle

I can relax and I have a regular bedtime

I can use cutlery, drink from a cup and eat by myself

I get dressed by myself and clean my teeth with some help

I go to the toilet on my own and wash my hands afterwards

Applying for school when the time comes

Further Support

ChatHealth

Join a free session in your local community

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