Read to your child.
Ask questions about what you’ve read. "What was the
story about?" Discuss the story. Kindergartners have the ability
to think critically. "Why do you think so?" "What could the
girl/boy have done differently?" "What was your favorite part of
the story?" "Why?" Questions like these cause children to think
about what they’ve heard.
Let your child see YOU
reading regularly!
Help your child to become a
reader and a writer. Keep books and other "print rich"
items around so your child will want to explore them. Provide
writing materials. Children copy letters and numbers, and
"practice" writing! Let natural curiosity take over!
Go on outings
together: store, mall, beach, parks, city, bus, plane, library,
museum, restaurants. Talk about what you see, hear,
feel, taste, smell, etc. Make sure you listen to your
child’s descriptions and help them find words to describe
what they experience: "The trees in the forest are tall ." "The
sunshine feels warm on my face." "The ice cream is cold and
sweet."
Give your child
choices of activities or foods. "Would you like crackers
with peanut butter or apple slices for your snack?" "Should we
have salad or green beans for dinner?" "Would you like to hear a
story right now or play with your blocks?" "Would you rather help
set the table or match socks?" "Do you want to pick up your toys
now or put away your clothes?" These are daily decisions young
children can make, yet adults often make them for them. In these
situations, the adult is clearly in charge, yet the child is able
to have some control. The choices described give children feelings
of independence and teach them
responsibility.
Help your child select items
or topics to share at school. Sharing or Show & Tell,
teaches children pride in themselves and to respect the diversity
among others. Sharing also helps develop oral communication
skills and helps children work toward the goal of effective
and responsible communication.
Talk to your child about
feelings. Let him/her know those feelings are important.
Remind them that all people feel like they do at times. This
teaches respect, understanding, &
acceptance.
Provide for your child to
play with others, to share, and cooperate. This will help him/her
make friends.
Teach your child to
tie and button!
Volunteer at
school!
Remember that YOU are
your child’s first teacher. The impact of your words and
actions are the most important!