| No matter what the source, one fact is true:
Children who start school behind, stay behind! If a
child has difficulty reading in the first grade, they will
have difficulty reading in the third grade and sixth, and
eighth and into adulthood.
The solution is simple; early learning success begins
at home! Whether you are a parent, grandparent, aunt,
uncle, or family friend you have an opportunity to help
a child become a life long learner. Take the time each
day to help your child learn and grow. Early learning
begins at home. Below are just a few of the activities
you can do to help your child become a successful learner.
To receive a FREE packet containing the School
Readiness pamphlet and
20 Skills Your Child Needs To Know Before Entering School,
please contact the CCIS at 726-1361.
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| Social Skills –
These activities will help your child get along with others
and build self-esteem. |
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Praise your child often; be specific and sincere. What
a great job you did picking up and thanks for helping
me set the table are just a few of the ways to tell your
child they are doing a good job and build their self-esteem.
Encourage your child to be polite and to share their
feelings rather than act them out. Teach your child to
say please and thank you.
Ask your child pick up their toys or put on their shoes;
it helps them learn to follow directions.
Play a card or board game with your child; it teaches
them how to take turns.
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| Reading Skills –
These activities will help your child develop language and
reading skills. |
|
Read to your child each and everyday. Start early and
read to them often.
Talk to your baby. It helps them to learn sounds and
eventually words.
Talking and having conversations with your child helps
their language skills grow.
Read “picture” books to your child. Have them
look at the pictures and tell you the story.
Visit your local library. Get a library card and encourage
your child to pick out books.
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| Math Skills-These activities
will help your child learn develop counting and other math
skills. |
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Provide your child with items to sort, such as blocks,
socks, etc. Help them learn to sort by color and size.
These skills help them develop their math skills.
Point out basic shapes; like circles, squares and triangles.
Look for items in your home and neighborhood that are
these shapes.
Provide blocks for play. They teach children about different
sizes and shapes. Help your child learn that 2 triangles
make a square.
Use numbers in conversation. For example if your child
wants snack, say “You may have 3 crackers.”
Then have your child help you count them out onto the
plate. Count the steps as you walk up a flight of stairs.
Count the number of kisses you give your child each day.
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| Healthy Habits: These
activities will help your child learn how to care for their
health. |
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Encourage your child to eat healthy foods and to get
enough rest. Make sure your child gets regular check ups
and has their immunizations.
Teach your child how to wash their hands and face, how
to comb their hair and brush their teeth. Help your child
learn to dress appropriately for the weather; for instance
bringing an umbrella when it calls for rain.
Teach your child basic safety skills, such as learning
how to cross a street and what to do when a stranger approaches.
Physical activity is important and fun. You and your child
can dance, play catch, roll a ball, jump rope, take a
walk or visit a playground.
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