By Marsha Sandman | CNA Media Team
Ready or not, it’s almost time to think about starting school. With the current pandemic, the great unknown exists. Will your little one will be in a classroom or learning at home? Perhaps it will be a little of both. Regardless, you can help your child prepare for the kindergarten experience now.
Christina Gay – known as Mrs. Gay to her kindergarteners and their parents at Faubion School – explained there are steps parents can take now to prioritize what’s most important to focus on in preparing your kiddo for a successful learning adventure.
She suggested the student should be prepared with some basic skills. They should understand the concept of time while developing and establishing routines.
Whether at home or in the classroom, routines will help your kindergartener to know what to expect daily. A home school day should be one to two hours with “brain breaks” depending on the child.
Mrs. Gay advises each activity should be no more than 15 to 20 minutes. In between reading, writing, science and math, the students in school experience four special classes, each once a week: art, physical education, dance and library.
Everyone’s favorite – recess – is about 15 minutes twice daily.
“I love it all. It’s so fun to see them learn and see their emotional and social growth,” she said. “It’s a special joy to watch them support each other.”
Focus on responsibility, independence, self-help and social skills. The child should be able to express himself or herself, spend time in a group and practice listening.
Consider dressing the student in clothing that’s easy to manipulate. Little hands should be able to zip, tie and button. Hungry little ones should know how to get into their own lunches.
According to Mrs. Gay, before kindergarten starts, your pint-sized sweetie should be able to read and write his or her name and know shapes, colors and numbers.
Read to your youngster and engage in meaningful literary activities. The student should know how to hold a pencil or marker with enough pressure to go from scribbles to words. Work on small and large skills with encouragement.
Practice saying goodbye before the first day of school so your kiddo is familiar with the process and knows you will come back at the end of the school day.
If you teach at home, practice patience, use a timer and employ learning skills available through your school’s online videos.
School reportedly opens Sept. 8. Visit PPS.net/kinderenroll for registration forms. They are also at school food pick-up sites.
After living east, south, north and west, Marsha Sandman is home at last. And she wants to hear your story. Contact her at MarshaJSandman@gmail.com.