My Nov 06 baby is starting school next year. Her kindy (four terms before school) have in the curriculum, heaps of things to prepare the kids for school. They are all being taught how to recognise their name written down, encouraged to copy their own name (but not how to form the letters), following instructions, understanding when to be quiet, following instructions, hygiene, taking turns, turning pages, taking responsibility for their belongings, using scissors, negotiating with playmates, saying STOP i don't like that - when in a situation they don't feel safe in etc.

My DD has been tt-d for years, but still has issues wiping herself after toiletting. She wants to undress to go to the loo, she uses HEAPS of loo paper, and gets upset about "still feeling wet" when i'm positive she has dried herself plenty. I can't imagine her going to the loo at school by herself, but she copes at kindy (all day) just fine. I never send her in dresses/skirts, as she cannot hold the clothing AND go to the loo at same time.

I also can't imagine her coping with the food aspect of school - eating the recess and lunch that i will be sending in her school bag. She barely eats anything at kindy (all this year).

I'm dreading her going to school actually. Like me, she will most likely be the most physically small/short in her class.

But she is so looking forward to it, keen to learn, interested in books, very sociable. Can count to 12 then jumps a few numbers to 20. Writes her name well (we have worked on it together, i wanted her to know how to FORM the letters). Can hold brief conversations with people other than her parents. She doesn't "read" story books, but her memory is so good, she says the gist of the story so well, sometimes i wonder if she IS reading. Does 100 piece jigsaws with me. Colours in, within the lines. Does detailed drawings (like knobbly knees on the Gruffalo). Can dress herself. No shoe laces. She loves making knots with craft cord, threading cotton reels thru shoelaces. She doesn't have any shoes that do up with laces, maybe i should do something about that, ha ha.