How to prepare your child for preschool Read to your child every day Most preschool classes have at least one reading period each day. Setting aside at least 15 minutes a day for reading time will make this a familiar ritual when school begins. Children who dont have early experiences with books often have difficulty learning to read later. Since preschoolers dont read independently, they need to learn to listen. Reading aloud to your child is a great way to help him develop listening skills. Stories with rhythm are particularly engaging, so look for books that repeat phrases. When he starts remembering the phrases, ask him to read with you. For instance, if you read The Three Little Pigs, after the wolf says, Little pig, let me come in, let your child fill in the next line, Not by the hair on my chinny-chin-chin. Your child will also learn to predict the outcome of a story in preschool. To help him prepare for this, you can stop midway through a reading and question him about what he thinks will happen next, or how he thinks the story will end. Practice listening skills Preschool teachers often encourage their busy young pupils to sit still and listen. You can help your child prepare for this request by occasionally asking him to sit quietly and close his eyes, and then ask him to tell you all the different sounds he hears. Talk about whats making the sounds and where the sounds are coming from. In preschool, children also learn to listen and follow directions that involve more than one step. Start asking your child to do a series of things, such as take his shoes to his room and put them in the closet. Or go to the bathroom and wash his hands and then come and help you set the dinner table. You can also play games that require your child to listen to directions, solve problems, and take turns. For instance, play I Spy in the car or on walks around your neighborhood. Give hints about something you see, I spy with my little eye something that is...tall. Your child has to ask you questions about the object until he guesses what it is. Simon Says is another good listening-and-direction-following game. Nurture the artist in residence Creating art — whether its finger-painting or molding clay — helps preschoolers develop the visual and fine motor skills they need to write. Keep paper, paints, crayons, and other art supplies on hand and encourage your child to create whenever he wants. Doing simple mazes and connect-the-dot pictures will also help your child develop beginning writing skills. Thanks
Posted on: Mon, 11 Aug 2014 04:00:00 +0000
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