Kris Jenkins, HES Specialist

      "I can do it by myself!" That little statement can be the source of pride as well as frustration for the parent of a preschooler. Parents want their children to feel that they can do anything they put their minds to—but sometimes this assertiveness can also try your patience.

     Outside the family, school is one of the first places children have a chance to "do it myself." For young children, doing well in school means being ready to learn and that is much more than knowing the alphabet and counting to ten. Readiness requires that kids develop their physical abilities, language skills, self-control, and social skills and have a desire to learn. You can use this summer to help prepare your child for school—especially if he/she will be a first-timer.

You and the child’s caregivers are the children’s first and most important teachers. This everyday relationship and communication between young children and caregivers definitely shapes their readiness for school.        Developing physical skills is the first step to school success. Young children who can control the movements of their bodies are less likely to get hurt playing and have more chances for social play. "Can-Do Kids" can run, hop, climb, gallop, jump, balance, skip and walk backward. These skills require practice. Children need a chance to be physically active every day. Daily walks around the neighborhood, trips to the park, playground, or swimming pool or active play are important.

     Fine muscle skills are also essential. Children need to be able to to control the small muscles in their hands and fingers if they are going to succeed. Children need access to finger foods, drawing and art equipment and craft supplies. Other helpful activities include cutting paper with child-sized scissors, using glue to make pictures or collages from paper, leaves, fabric or other small objects, and working puzzles. Teach children how to trace, copy, or draw basic shapes, design and figures. Do matching and sorting games. My favorite task was to sort my Mom’s button box. I spent hours separating the buttons by color and size and then putting them in small envelopes.

      Be sure you teach your child how to manage buttons, snaps, zippers and other clothing fasteners. While it is often quicker to dress your child yourself, in the long run you do your child no favor—especially when she needs the teacher’s help on the first trip to the bathroom!

      Language ability is a key ingredient for a "Can-Do Kid." Children learn language skills from communication with others. Children with parents who talk with them, ask their opinions and encourage them to be verbal are more ready for school than children who get little attention. Talking to babies helps them to recognize sounds and realize that language is important. Toddlers need to practice learning and using words so they can talk about what they see, know and do. Being a " Can-Do Kid" means the child can talk about what he/she does and can organize thoughts.

     This summer encourage your children to talk with you and others. Take time to listen to them and teach them to honor and listen to others. Make sure they can understand and give simple instructions. Listen to simple songs, read them short stories and help them learn simple rhymes. Encourage them to make up stories and share them with you. Children also need to talk about their feelings such as anger, sadness, happiness—this is an excellent way to develop thinking skills.

     Ask you child questions and give answers. Ask you child why he thinks the sky is blue—then after he answers, give him a simple explanation. Ask your daughter why she thinks the baby at the store is crying—then give a variety of simple possibilities. Ask your child questions that require more than a "yes" or "no" answer. Encourage them to talk about what they did each day and encourage them to use new words. These activities challenge your child’s mind and help develop language skills.

      Use this summer to make sure your child can be a "Can-Do-Child!"

More Topics on Helping Kids Succeed in School:
Homework
Get Kids Help in School
Are You Ready for the First Day of School?
Avoid the Morning Crazies
Avoid Battles Over Back-to-school Clothes
School Times Means Making Adjustments
Kids Do Better if Parents are Involved
Make Transition to School Easier
School Bus Safety
Learning Under Stress
Teach Kids About Money
Children Need Their Sleep
Healthy School Meals
Kids Need Breakfast
 

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