How To Prepare Your Child For Kindergarten
September 21, 2008
Starting Kindergarten is a big deal for your child. Here are some suggestions on how to prepare your child for Kindergarten.
For many of us this day just seems to rush up on us. We’ve known for years that our babies will be going to kindergarten but when the time comes many of us are unprepared. It’s definitely an emotional time for both parents and kids but it’s important to help our little ones through this time by staying positive and upbeat.
Here are some tips for helping prepare your child for kindergarten:
Talk about the new change - Children tend to deal well with change as long as we explain to them what is happening. Before starting have little talks with your child about what going to “big kid” school will be like, what the routine will be and so on. Try to have these talks in short spurts as your child may not be able to process too much information at once and may get more confused. Lots of little talks here and there should do the trick.
Show them their new school - Many schools will have introduction days your child can attend ahead of time to meet their new teacher and see the school. You can also take them for a drive or walk to their new school a couple of times before starting. Show them where they will go and where mommy will pick them up after school.
Read a book – Visit your library for a selection of books on starting school, many also have videos and DVDs. Sit with your child and read the book or watch the video and explain how they will be doing something similar when school starts.
Go Shopping - Go school shopping with them and let them be involved in the process of choosing their school supplies, lunch box and even clothes or uniform where appropriate. Let your child feel that he or she is older and can now choose some of their own things.
Draw a Picture – Once you visit the new school have your child draw a picture of themselves at their new school. You may even be able to tell what your child is feeling by what he draws. Talk about the picture and how your child is feeling and then hang the picture up in a prominent place to remind everyone that school will be starting soon.
Above all remain light-hearted and upbeat even if you are feeling a little bit weepy yourself. Talk in a positive way of how much fun school will be and enjoy this milestone with your little one.
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How To Motivate Kids To Get Ready For School In The Morning
September 21, 2008
Are you tired of fussing and fighting with your kids to get them out of the door and onto the bus? Getting them out of bed, dressed, feed and on there way isn’t always an easy task, especially when they don’t really want to do it. Here are some tips on how to motivate kids to get ready for school in the morning.
Start by getting as much as possible done the night before. That means making sure their homework is done and they are prepared for any upcoming tests or exams. If they need permission slips or papers signed, take care of that the afternoon before as well.
Ask your child what he or she would like for lunch the night before as well and prepare as much of the lunch box as possible. Pick out an outfit for school as well and lay it out in your child’s room.
Being tired is a big motivation killer. Get your child to bed at an appropriate time. This works best if you are establishing some sort of bedtime routine. Making sure your child gets plenty of rest at night is one of the best ways to get them motivated to get ready for school in the morning.
Spend some quality time with your child before school. Our kids crave our attention more than anything else. Turn off the morning cartoons and sit down to breakfast and have a chat instead. Ask your child about how school is going and give plenty of praise. Of course you should do the same after school or over dinner. Showing an interest in what your child does at school can be a big motivator for him or her to not only get ready for school in time, but to show interest and learn while there as well.
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Homework Tips for Parents
September 21, 2008
Getting your child to do his or her homework can be a bit of a struggle sometimes. Here are a few homework tips to make the job a little easier on both of you.
Homework, Five Tips For Parents
Homework! Every child has it, so there’s no getting around it. Try these tips when dealing with this after school ritual.
Recess First:
Children spend the entire day in a structured environment. Why not let them relax once they get home. Allow them to lay on the floor in front of the television for a time with a snack or play outside with their friends. After this recess from school their minds will be clearer and more receptive toward tackling homework.
A Comfortable Place:
Let your children discover what works best for them when completing homework. Most parents don’t allow their children to watch television, or they expect them to sit at table or desk. Classrooms have constant interruptions therefore, children learn to tune out noise. If your child can complete his homework assignments laying in front of the television or listening to music then why worry about it. Of course, if the music or television interferes then turn it OFF!
Make A Time for Homework:
Kids today are involved in sports, music lessons and other activities. Make sure their schedules aren’t overloaded after school. The general rule for homework is: first grade 10 minutes, second grade 20 minutes, third grade 30 minutes, and so on. The amount of homework your child receives should be commensurate to their grade grade level. If your child is having difficulty with homework then they’re probably having trouble at school as well.
Help Them Become Independent:
Many times young children come home excited with homework and are eager to get started. You want them become independent learners – encourage their enthusiasm. Leave them alone and don’t interfere, even if they’re completing an assignment wrong. They’ll figure this out later and know when to ask for help. On the other hand, if you know your child usually has homework and fails to get started, help them get organized and started. Provide a choice of times and places for them to do homework.
Avoid Punishment:
Disciplining your child for not completing homework usually doesn’t work. Creating a reward system is usually more effective. Realize that many kids see homework as a waste of time – busy work, especially if it’s too easy. Other reason could be: its too difficult, there are problems at school with the teacher or other students. Find out why and go from there there.
Parents are their childrens’ first teachers. They can send the message that school is important, when they help with homework.
Carol Fraser Boles has a Master’s degree in Special Reading and an Educational Specialist degree in Curriculum and Instruction. She has more than ten years experience teaching K-12 reading in public schools. She now manages her own business and is a member of the Lieurance Group, a freelance writer’s cooperative. Find out more about her writing services at http://www.lieurancegroup.blogspot.com. For more tips on education and parenting visit her blog at http://www.teacherspetplace.blogspot.com or email her at Cwrites-56@hotmail.com
Additional Resources:
Frontline Phonics
A complete system with everything you need to teach your child to read.
