When we talk about kindergarten readiness, it just doesn’t begin in pre school. It also doesn’t start in the summer before starting school. It is parents and caregivers who help prepare the child to transition to school from the very moment they are born.
The games they play at home and the conversations you have with your child all have an impact. You can use certain ways to support your child’s social and emotional development.
These are important milestones that your child should reach to be kindergarten ready.
You might be surprised to know, you’re already doing many of these things at home, and you just have to work a little more.
Helping your child develop empathy
A young child might seem self-centered. When they begin to grow, they notice things, people, and develop emotions. They learn why different situations will have different reactions. Majority of five year olds know they have to take turns and share. However, not all of them might want to do it because it doesn’t meet their innate needs.
Children need to develop empathy and should be able to see the other person’s point of view. Parents and caregivers are responsible for ensuring that their children depart from self centeredness and practice being good at home. If parents model empathy for their children, children will follow suit.
Parents can teach empathy in a number of ways. You can ask them to recognize feelings from reading books or you can take pictures of family members with different facial expressions. Let your child know how somebody would feel if they are angry, happy or sleepy.
You need to monitor and model empathy with your child. Start by saying that you might be feeling sad because of certain things or their brother is feeling sad because their friend couldn’t come to play. How can you cheer your brother up. Modeling these behaviors for young children and help them identify these emotions and allow them to develop empathy.
Helping your child learn communication
Children learn to communicate their needs in a variety of ways. The child should communicate their basic needs to their teacher. They should know that it is okay to get permission to use the washroom. If they are not feeling well or if they want help regarding something, they should always talk to their teachers. While some kids can do this easily others might need little extra self-confidence to make their move
Talking to friends and classmates is also essential. However, it is a challenge for many children. If children are disagreeing over certain games they must learn to work together to build something.
Communication takes practice but there are many ways parents can help their children. You can help your child practice using the I statement many times a day. For example you can teach them that you feel sad when certain things happen. Teach them that I don’t like it when I want something 1st and it makes me upset. Being able to communicate their needs can be taught using an I statement.
Teaching children to follow adult rules and directions
Following rules is important even if children don’t want to. It is challenging but kids will need lots of practice. They should be put in situations which help them follow directions from other adults.
It is important for a student to practice becoming independent. They should be willing to learn new ideas, play and have fun. There is emphasis on sending your child to a quality early childhood program so they are aware of all these necessary skills.
It’s necessary for parents to treat their children with respect. Respectable adults will model behavior which the child can easily follow. Having respectful conversations at home will ensure your child understands the teachers and the administrators have rules which are followed. These rules will help keep them safe.
Parents are their child’s first teachers. Whatever you do at home will set the tone of your child’s behavior and interactions. Parents should provide opportunities for children to prepare them for various social and emotional interactions which will come in handy during kindergarten. Find Gladstone’s top kindergartens to start preparing your child for the real world.