ECD · Age 5
ECD in The Gambia: tracing and first sounds for 5-year-olds
Early childhood development (ECD) in The Gambia starts at 3 and runs until Lower Basic school at 7. Here are tracing and letter-sound games for 5-year-olds at home.
Getting started
A five-minute game for today
Write your child’s first letter big on paper. They trace it with a finger, then with a crayon, saying its sound each time.
Together 01
The later ECD years
At 5, children are still in the ECD years: Lower Basic school starts at 7. Holding a crayon, hearing the sounds in words and counting to ten are good things to practise at home meanwhile.
Together 02
Trace the circle
In My hands, the voice says “Trace the circle” and your child follows the dots from the green one. The curve is the start of letters like a, c and o.
Together 03
First sounds
In Letters, your child hears a word and taps the letter of its first sound. Play it aloud at home with the names of family and friends.
Together 04
Talking with the teacher
If you notice something at home — a sound your child mixes up, or a hard time holding a crayon — tell the teacher with an example.
Frequently asked questions
When does Lower Basic school start?
At 7, after the ECD years.
Which areas does Ziippi have?
Numbers, Letters, Discover, My hands, Feelings and Speak. Your child chooses the area each time.
Where do I download Ziippi in The Gambia?
Use the download buttons on this page: they open Ziippi’s listing on the App Store or Google Play.
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