It's that time of year again! The kids are going back to school, and you're excited to see them start a new chapter in their lives. But before they can dive into their studies, there are some things your child needs to know about being ready for school.
In this article, we'll talk about some of these skills and how you can help your little one develop them as early as possible with the help of School Readiness Sunshine so she has the best chance at success once she starts kindergarten.
What is a school readiness program?
A school readiness program is a way to get your child ready for kindergarten. These programs can be provided by schools, community organizations, and the government. The goal of these programs is to help children develop skills that are needed in school such as literacy, math, social skills, and problem-solving.
School readiness programs may be free or low-cost. They often take place before the start of school in the summer or after school ends in the spring. There are many different types of school readiness programs available for children including:
- Family support services
- Parenting classes
- Playgroups where your child can play with other children
How can you prepare your child for school?
If you have a young child, it’s important to start preparing them for school. The first step is to use an early childhood curriculum that focuses on school readiness.
- The program should include activities that help your child understand the difference between right and wrong, such as telling stories about children acting wrongly or asking them questions about what behaviors are acceptable. It also helps if they can communicate with others appropriately by being able to stay focused on the task at hand when another person is speaking.
- Children should be able to follow a sequence of steps (such as putting clothes on in order) and follow directions (such as “Put the toy away”). They should also be able to listen carefully when someone else is talking, without interrupting or ignoring that person’s needs.
What should your child learn before starting school?
As a parent, you may be wondering what your child should know before starting school. Here are some things that are part of the School Readiness Sunshine Program:
- The alphabet - Knowing the alphabet is an important first step to learning to read. Children can learn the letters and sounds they make when they're together in groups or individually.
- Counting & simple math - Counting and addition are important in developing math skills. Counting helps kids learn how many items there are and gives them confidence as they progress through their numbers, while addition starts with one plus one (two) and builds up until it gets easier again at 100!
- Reading & writing - The ability to write makes it easier for children to express themselves while reading helps them understand what others have written! Both reading and writing help young minds grow in ways that will continue into adulthood.* Socialization skills - Even though kids might not be able to speak yet, socialization begins way before then! Socializing involves interacting with other people around you so it's best if children start learning these skills around 6 months old or earlier if possible :)
Conclusion
The most important thing you can do to help your child prepare for school is to make sure they have a solid foundation in reading, writing, and math. If your child doesn't have these skills by age five or six years old, it could be difficult for them later on as they progress through elementary school.
