Your Child’s First Teacher
As a Pre-K teacher in one of our state’s largest school districts I have often wished that I could share with parents ways that they could prepare their children at home to be successful in school. Do you think of yourself as your child’s first teacher? because this is precisely what you are!
One of the most important things parents can do is to talk with their children at every opportunity. Many concepts are “caught” rather than taught. Capitalize on those teachable moments while riding in the car, grocery shopping, playing games, straightening up their rooms or doing household chores together.
Sorting, classifying, counting their toys, books and even shoes and clothes are great ways to develop math concepts with concrete objects.
Bedtime routines such as bath, story, review of the day’s events, prayers and lights-out time, are other great opportunities to encourage your child to share her thoughts and feelings as well as allowing you to answer her questions or concerns.
Young children are naturally very creative and inquisitive. They are not self-conscious yet which allows them to explore their creativity with unhindered enthusiasm. As adults we often wish that we could once more see the world through their innocent eyes and fresh perspectives.
Reading and discussing great books with your children is delightful, but never overlook its value in developing the mind and the imagination as well as the character! Reading stories, poetry, and non-fictional books to your children develops cognitive skills and stimulates creativity. What a wonderful opportunity reading gives us to bond and spend quality time together!
Some series for children teach qualities such as honesty, integrity, kindness, fairness, empathy and a good work ethic. These values strengthen families and benefit society as well. They are rare or non-existent on television programs these days. Sadly, we are seeing the results of what our students are “entertained with” in our public schools. So please be sure to include these “values books” on your reading list.
Through books, children’s minds are able to expand beyond their actual experiences. They can travel to far away places and meet historical as well as fictional characters, be entertained and enlightened without really having to leave home or spend a lot of money. The public library is a very good resource for great children’s books.
Happy Reading! Remember, you are making memories!
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