I was never made aware of how critical it was to prepare for elementary school. My daughter went to VPK, but still by the time she hit elementary school she was a little behind-- both with maturity and academics. It seems that kids need to be way more advanced in reading and math--at a younger age-- than when we were kids. I actually think they expect kindergartners to read! Ultimately was is my fault, but as a first time mom, I just didn't know the expectations of the school system in my area. Thankfully, it has all worked out and my daughter is at grade level-- now going into the second grade. But, it wasn't without playing catch-up. If I had to do it again, I would have put her into a school readiness program before kindergarten or in the summer before her first grade...or maybe even sooner.
What is a readiness program?
School readiness is not all about academics.
“Readiness” means learning how to think critically, use mathematical concepts, share and show self-control – skills that support a positive transition to elementary school.
Research confirms that focusing on academics alone is not enough to ensure success. Parents should look for programs that provide nurturing guidance and attention to every aspect of development so children can develop compassion, confidence and a love of learning in addition to math and reading skills. An early childhood education must nurture the whole student.
• Academics: Go beyond concentrating only on basic math and reading skills. Academic success is not just about memorization – it requires learning how to think critically, use mathematical concepts, express curiosity and develop competence in language skills like listening, speaking and writing.
• Technology: In today’s technology-rich world, children need to have a grasp of technology as a tool for creative expression and problem solving. Computers equipped with developmentally-appropriate educational software and online resources should be integrated into the classroom.
• Physical Development: Children who participate in daily physical activity develop basic motor skills like throwing, jumping and balance that help them become healthy adults. Physical activity also creates neural connections that support academic achievement.
• Music and Art: Young children naturally engage in “art,” or spontaneous, creative play, but when educators involve children in music and art activities regularly from an early age, they encourage cognitive and emotional development.
• Social-Emotional Development: Preschool programs should focus on social and life skills to help your child establish positive relationships and transition easily to elementary school.
Giving your child all the tools they need to truly receive a proper education is a small price to pay in the long run. Help your child take the next step by learning more about school readiness from Primrose Schools.
This is a compensated post on behalf of Primrose Schools, all opinions are my own.
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