Five Simple Strategies to Prepare Your Child for Kindergarten

While reading to your child, especially if they are a beginning reader, use strong emotion and expression. If you have older children, starting a chapter book is an excellent way to continue the learning process and enjoy quality time together. Avoid missing valuable reading time by including a bedtime story into your child’s nightly routine.

Don’t simplify your vocabulary when speaking with your child. Using advanced words will help them achieve a higher level of thinking before they can actually read or write these types of words. For example, when gardening use the words soil, cultivate, and moisture to explain the process.

Listening to your child validates their feelings and self-worth, and fosters an attitude of learning and growth. Confirm your child’s point of view by expressing statements of understanding. Share similar experiences you had in your youth, followed by questions such as “How did you feel when that happened?” to show concern and empathy.

“How do you think you could do that differently?” or “What do you feel would work better?” are wonderful questions to ask your children. Don’t rescue your child. Working through challenges allows them to develop skills and acquire knowledge they wouldn’t learn otherwise.

Playtime is a win-win scenario. Your child will have fun while gaining the opportunity to explore various types of learning. Creativity blossoms when children play, which leads to inventive problem-solving. Encourage your child to use their imagination to determine what happens during playtime. Let them lead. It is essential for children to participate in both social play and solo play. When they interact with peers, social learning such as sharing and communicating can
take place. Alone time lets youth explore their own creativity.