Nursery World - Always learning

I want to take issue with Jerry Beere's question, 'What exactly is the point in children as young as three or four learning even the rudiments of mathematics and English?' (Letters, 24 October). When does he think a child's learning of English and maths begins? I would suggest that learning in these and many other areas begins from the day a child is born and is a continuum, changing in learning style and content as the child goes through life.

When does he think a child's learning of English and maths begins? I would suggest that learning in these and many other areas begins from the day a child is born and is a continuum, changing in learning style and content as the child goes through life.

Is Jerry's child able to speak, listen, understand, experienced in sharing books, aware of the difference between big and little, and starting to count? I feel the answer to all these will be 'yes' - all these and more, I guess, without a formal lesson.

As for his child playing 'Thunderbirds' under the table, isn't this the way children practise their language and simple mathematics (and many other things too), with skilled practitioners providing appropriate resources and opportunities, then extending their learning through sensitive intervention?

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