As a parent, you are your child’s most important teacher from birth. You can help prepare your child for school by paying attention to these important activities.

• READ,READ, READ with your child. Nothing is more important for building a foundation for learning than the time Mom and Dad spend reading and discussing stories with their children. Take every opportunity to help your child become familiar with words and their meaning through word books, picture books, magazines, newspapers, signs, and labels.
• ARRANGE PLAY TIMES with other young children to foster social skills. While the children are playing, encourage problem solving, compromising, and sharing.
• HELP YOUR CHILD learn to listen, follow directions, and wait for a turn. Have your child practice not interrupting when adults are talking.
• MAKE THE MOST of family time. Talk to your child. Encourage questions. Spend time together...nature walks, puzzles, baking cookies. Explore a park or a museum. Do household chores together. Children with a broad range of experiences may be less overwhelmed by the school day and more comfortable with the variety of activities we offer in kindergarten.
• PRAISE YOUR CHILD’S efforts even if they ar not perfect. Give hugs and kisses EVERY DAY!
• GIVE MANY CHANCES for your child to draw and print using markers, crayons, and pencils. Keep lots of paper on hand. Provide activities that build skills for small muscles in the hands, such as cutting out shapes with scissors or stringing beads or macaroni.
• BE POSITIVE about school. If you are excited and positive about school, your child will be as well.