They're Halfway to 10, so Keep Them Clucking Like a Hen

What You Need To Know

Endless questions from your preschooler is a great sign of development and curiosity. All those questions from your 4-year old shows that your child is eager to learn and has a natural imagination. Sometimes it’s good to respond to questions with a simple, straight answer, other times use it as an invitation to explore together.

• Invite questions - Language can develop rapidly for 4-year-olds. It's a noisy age with lots to talk about. Many are on the verge of reading. Encourage, but don't push.
• Be good to yourself - Caring for yourself allows you to care for your children. When your child starts school, you may find that your daily time demands change. Some go back to work, others have little ones at home.
• Take a Step at a Time - Kindergarten is just ahead. Give your preschooler some opportunities for group experiences so that he or she can practice the social skills of taking turns and asking for help.
• Competence builds confidence - When children know how to handle a situation, their confidence frees them to tackle challenges.

How You Can Help

Children need to be encouraged to ask for help when they need it and to know that asking for help is OK at school, too. Is My Child Ready for Kindergarten?

 One of the most valuable ways parents can prepare children for school and for life is to teach them to converse.

• For children just learning to read (ages 4 through 7), try labeling things to promote word recognition. Labeling toy containers is a good start. It can help your child is many ways, including the benefit of a cleaner room.
• Get your child a library card and make regular visits to the library.
• Let your child open your junk mail and decide what is to be saved or tossed. Let children use junk mail in pretend play.
• Invite your children to help you read a recipe as you cook. Read cooking instructions aloud. Point out measurement markings on measuring cups and spoons.
• Use the tried and true method - read aloud to your child each night at bedtime or at another regular time.

Even though your child will think they are all grown up, they still have much to learn. Keep reinforcing skills in a way that doesn’t make them feel like a baby. Mastered skills will give your child the confidence they need to do well in the classroom.

Is My Child Ready for Kindergarten?