Oliver at 7

Oliver, June 1999
Oliver, Summer 1999

This page is a 'progress report' on Oliver's development in the last 12 months to August 1999.

At 7 years Oliver can -

  • write with more control and pressure
  • spell over 200 words
  • build some new words phonetically
  • write his own 'sentence' to describe a picture
  • memorise number bonds to 10
  • use his fingers to add and subtract
  • remember his 5x table
  • describe some properties of 2-D shapes
  • draw people with most features included
  • know what he wants and needs and find the words to let us know
  • describe his observations e.g. "Look at that big white butterfly over there", "It's raining, we'll stay inside today", "Dad's got a hat on, Mum's not got a hat on"
  • ask questions and make sensible spontaneous comments e.g. "What shall we do now?", "It's nearly night-time, the Sun's gone to Australia"
  • take turns and tell us whose turn it will be next
  • on occasions ask to go to bed and is more aware of when he is tired
  • 'play' with soft toys (not suggesting that Oliver has imaginative play - more that he has observed and copied others)
  • follow simple written instructions at school
  • attempt undressing and dressing ready for P.E. / Games
  • sing many songs and rhymes and make up his own verses by substituting words
  • swing himself on the swing (but only if Dad asks Oliver questions about Disneyland Paris whilst he is swinging

 


Again we are pleased with Oliver's progress.  We believe much of this is due to the work of his class teacher, special needs assistant and support of the school and the fact that his hours of support have been preserved for the time being.

 

Pony riding

Oliver has been attending weekly pony riding sessions at our local branch of 'Riding for the Disabled'.

Trot on, Red

Faster, faster!

The riding therapy aims to improve co-ordination, balance and confidence.  For Oliver, it also helps his socialisation as he is with many different helpers.  The helpers encourage Oliver to give instructions to the pony and tell them about the things he sees during his ride.  As well as working in the arena Oliver is regularly taken on fields and local bridle paths.  His enjoyment is obvious, especially his beaming smile when going fast and jumping.

Oliver meets Princess Anne

 

Airport Trip

In June 1999, Oliver and his class went on a school trip to Manchester Airport.  A few weeks earlier he had been there on his way to Disneyland Paris, so Oliver was familiar with the airport.  He was keen to show his teacher all the things he liked e.g. x-ray machine and baggage carousel.

We were delighted with the work he produced during the visit -

The 'plane is going to Paris

 

Oliver at 6          Oliver at 8          Oliver at 9          Oliver at 10
Oliver at 11          Oliver at 12          Oliver at 13          Oliver at 14
Oliver at 15          Oliver at 16          Oliver at 17          Oliver at 18