Parent Guide: Years 1 & 2
Your child is building the foundations of literacy and numeracy. Here's what they're learning and how you can support them at home.
What Your Child is Learning
English & Literacy
- ●Phonics: Learning letter sounds and blending them to read words (e.g., c-a-t = cat)
- ●Sight words: Recognising common words by memory (the, is, and, was)
- ●Handwriting: Forming letters correctly and writing simple sentences
- ●Reading comprehension: Understanding simple stories and answering questions about them
- ●Speaking & listening: Sharing ideas and listening to others
Maths & Numeracy
- ●Counting: Counting forwards and backwards to at least 100
- ●Addition & subtraction: Basic operations with numbers up to 20
- ●Shapes: Recognising and naming 2D and 3D shapes
- ●Patterns: Identifying and creating simple patterns
- ●Measurement: Comparing lengths, weights, and capacities
How You Can Help at Home
Read Together Daily (10-15 minutes)
This is the single most impactful thing you can do. Take turns reading aloud. Ask questions like "What do you think will happen next?" and "How did that character feel?" Point at words as you read.
Count Everything
Count steps on a walk, grapes on a plate, cars in the car park. Make counting a natural part of everyday life. Ask "How many more?" and "What if we take 3 away?"
Play Board Games
Games like Snakes and Ladders, UNO, and Connect Four build number skills, turn-taking, and strategic thinking. Card games like "Go Fish" help with matching and memory.
Cook Together
Cooking teaches measurement (cups, teaspoons), counting, following instructions, and patience. Let them pour, stir, and measure. Even making a sandwich involves sequencing.
Practise Letter Sounds (not just names)
When learning the alphabet, emphasise the sound each letter makes, not just its name. "B says /b/" is more useful for reading than "B is called bee." Play "I spy" with sounds, not letter names.
Warning Signs to Watch For
Every child develops at their own pace, but speak to your child's teacher if you notice any of the following by the end of Year 2:
Literacy Concerns
- ⚠ Cannot blend letter sounds to read simple words
- ⚠ Avoids reading or gets very frustrated
- ⚠ Cannot write their own name legibly
- ⚠ Struggles to retell a simple story
Numeracy Concerns
- ⚠ Cannot count reliably to 20
- ⚠ Struggles with basic addition within 10
- ⚠ Cannot recognise basic shapes
- ⚠ Has difficulty understanding "more" and "less"
Remember: Identifying difficulties early means they can be addressed early. This is not about labelling your child -- it's about getting them the support they need to thrive.
Recommended Apps & Books
Apps
Reading Eggs
Phonics and early reading -- structured and engaging
Mathletics
Aligned with the Australian Curriculum for numeracy
Teach Your Monster to Read
Free phonics game -- brilliant for blending sounds
Khan Academy Kids
Free, covers reading, maths, and social skills
Books to Read Together
Possum Magic (Mem Fox)
A classic Australian picture book
The Very Hungry Caterpillar (Eric Carle)
Counting, days of the week, and healthy eating
Diary of a Wombat (Jackie French)
Hilarious and builds comprehension skills
Dr Seuss series (any title)
Perfect for phonics, rhyme, and reading fluency
How Much Homework is Appropriate?
For Years 1-2, the general guideline is 10-20 minutes maximum per night, plus nightly reading. Homework at this age should feel more like play than work.
A good nightly routine might look like:
- ✓ 10 minutes reading together (or being read to)
- ✓ 5-10 minutes of sight word practice or maths games
- ✓ Plenty of play time -- unstructured play is crucial for development
If homework is causing tears or family conflict, something is wrong. Speak to the teacher. At this age, the love of learning matters far more than completing worksheets.