Pre-K
Preparing your child for might seem difficult or overwhelming, but it doesn鈥檛 have to be. It鈥檚 as easy as 1, 2, 3! There are plenty of ways to prepare your kiddo for pre-K and a few simple tips are guaranteed to get them ready for the first day of school.
Research shows that children who attend pre-K have improved academic readiness, which supports their learning throughout other grade levels. Early learning sharpens academic and socio-emotional skills that ensure a smooth transition to elementary schooling.
鈥淚t鈥檚 important to spend time talking with your child about pre-K,鈥 said Hildelisa Diaz, early childhood coordinator. 鈥淚n the months leading up to school, gradually introduce your child to activities that often take place in a classroom such as reading books, building with blocks, drawing pictures and singing songs. Reassure your child that pre-K is a wonderful place where learning is an adventure!鈥
Here are a few things you can try with your kiddo during the summer.
Play and Learn
Introduce new words and concepts when playing with your child. Practice the ABCs, letter sounds and their name. This is great time to engage in conversations about summer fun!
Read Daily
Cultivate a love of reading by taking regular trips to the library and let your child choose books. Read alongside your child and encourage a love of reading by exposing them to many great books.
Math Time
Set aside time for basic math concepts with your kiddo. Knowing basic shapes, colors and sorting for numeracy will help your child be ready for school.
Time for socialization encourages playtime with other kids. It鈥檚 important your little one knows how to take turns, share, listen and cooperate with others. Continue to help your child learn about feelings, how to express them and appropriate behavior at school.
Have Fun in pre-k!
Have fun together! It is summer, after all. There are all sorts of amazing benefits to playtime that your child can benefit from, so be sure to let those summer days be filled with fun and happiness in the sun!
鈥淕iving your child a quality early childhood education will set them up for greater success in the future,鈥 said Diaz. 鈥淧re-K is a great opportunity for students to build a strong foundation in social and academic skills which will give them a great advantage over their peers.鈥
With all the opportunities for fun in the sun, the summertime is perfect to practice these simple skills with your little one. Whether it鈥檚 your first child or the last one of the bunch, try these tips to ensure your child is first-day-ready! For more information regarding pre-K, visit aisd.net/prek.