5 ways to prepare you child for kindergarten
#1 Read to them daily
I feel the best way to prepare a child to learn to read is by reading to them. They gain so much from this, hearing new words, seeing the words, following a story line. We healed a weekly trip to the library where we spend an hour picking out our new books for the week ahead. Sometime they follow a theme, other times they are a random selection with a few highlighted librarian recommendations thrown in the bag. There are days that we will sit down on the couch in the morning and snuggle under a blanket and share a story or two. Most often we read together right before bed each night. Depending on how early we are ready for bed we read anywhere from 2-5 books. Our library bag sits right next to the couch for easy access.
#2 Play groups for socialization
Parents have a lot of nervous worries about the first day of school. One of those is based on, how well will they get along with the other children? As a parent I’ve tried to think of the various ways I can teach my child to intact appropriately with other children his age. We spend time at the park playing with children that are new to us, and that we won’t be comfortable right from the start with. We also plan and attend play dates with a regular group of friends that allows for longer interactions, various activities, and of course learning to share and respond to other children’s reactions.
#3 Consider preschool
Preschool is a great place for your child to prepare for kindergarten, after all that is the general concept of PREschool. It’s important to find one that is right for your family. Their hours match your availability, location is convenient to your work or home, you agree with their philosophy and disciplinary plan.
Bright Horizons® is designed to help both parents and children through this life transition with their ideal curriculum and environment. Their leading-edge curriculum is designed to adapt to each child’s strength and needs. With more than 30 years as a leader in the early education field they are ready to help your family prepare for school.
#4 Teach responsibility
Your child will have may things they need to get to and from school on a daily bases. Implementing responsibilities before kindergarten starts will set you’re hold up for success. At our house he is responsible for carrying his backpack and lunch box to the car each morning, into school and from the car into the house. There is usually a lot of excitement at the end of the day and I currently help with getting everything at pick up time.
Around the house he is not only responsible for picking up and putting away his toys, but he helps me fold laundry by setting all of the socks aside. Small tasks like this give a child a huge sense of ownership and teach them responsibility for helping and their belongings.
#5 Practice good manners
Most likely when you child starts school their teacher will be addressed as Mr or Ms and their first or last name. Call me Southern, but this is home I learned to address all adults when I was a child, and I continue to teach my children this way. Please, thank you, yes and no are also important. There is nothing more annoying that when my son says yes or nah. It’s a habit I am personally trying to break after realizing how careless it sounds when he says it. This will allow for good communication and teachers will thank you.
Learning how to listen when others talk, not interrupting and taking turns are all social skills that are not just important in kindergarten but in life. Start laying the ground work now for your child to be successful.