Date Published: May 3, 2005
These days, kindergarten isn't just a time to play. In many schools, 5- and 6-year-olds are expected to know how to read, do basic math facts and write simple sentences by the time they head off to first grade. That can cause stress and anxiety for both children and their parents if a child isn't ready to take on the demands of school.
Most education experts say that preschool helps make the transition to kindergarten easier, but just as important are the activities kids do at home.
Here are some tips from kindergarten teachers, the National PTA and other education experts on what parents can do to help prepare their children for kindergarten:
• Read. According to Jaclyn Morris, creator of the Web site www. kindergartenreadiness.net, reading to children is the single most important thing a parent can do to encourage learning skills.
• Play. Encourage imaginative play, make-believe and dress-up. Through play, children learn concepts, how to interact with peers; they also practice using their large and small muscle groups and learn how to make choices.
• Practice the alphabet and numbers. Use everyday activities - such as a trip to the grocery store or riding in the car - to encourage counting.
• Help the child with puzzles, drawing and other activities that help develop fine motor skills.
• Play with other kids. Whether it's through organized playgroups or visits to local parks, make sure your child has ample time to socialize. This will help your child learn how to interact with others and let you see how he does.
• Ask questions about things you've seen and read. "Why did Bear go back home?" "Why didn't Sam want to eat the green eggs and ham?" This encourages critical thinking.
• Talk to your child. Children learn about language and self-expression when they engage in verbal exchanges with others.
• Provide concrete learning experiences for children. Take children along with you to the post office, library and local children's museums. Letting them experience these places and talking with them about what they're seeing, hearing and touching exposes them to learning.
• Provide opportunities for children to practice independence by allowing them to make certain choices and try out things, and encourage problem solving.
IS YOUR CHILD READY?
While many children today attend preschool programs, there is still some question as to whether many are developmentally ready to succeed in kindergarten. Here are some guidelines:
Does your child exhibit curiosity, a desire to learn new things?
Is your child willing to ask questions and ask for help?
Is your child emotionally ready to interact with other children?
Does your child have basic academic readiness? (Knows the ABCs, numbers up to 10, shapes, colors and has decent motor skills)
Can your child sit still for up to 20 minutes and focus on a subject?
Can your child understand rules and routines? Can she/he exhibit independence in picking up and putting away toys?
Sources: Jaclyn Morris, www.kindergartenreadiness.net; www.pta.org
By Peggy Spear
KNIGHT RIDDER NEWSPAPERS Source: Tallahassee Democrat |