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own things helps them master the ability to handle multiple tasks at school, too. As a mother of three, Leane was especially nervous when her oldest daughter, Franny, started kindergarten. “We prepared Franny for kindergarten by working on the physical development areas like getting dressed, putting on and zipping her coat, and even tying her shoes - although she didn’t actually learn to tie her shoes until late in the first grade. We also concentrated on following a routine, following directions and cleaning up her toys and games,” says Leane. Teaching your child to be independent builds the way for them to transfer those skills to a higher stakes situation, like school. “Being able to clean up is a great asset in kindergarten,” says Graue. 5. Keep learning fun and relaxed. Does your child need to know how to read when they begin kindergarten? No, says Graue. “I wouldn’t worry about a child not reading going into kindergarten. It’s important kids know the letters in their own name and letters in general; but again, drilling kids isn’t the only way to teach,” she says.
"Kindergarten-readiness is a popular topic, but what does it mean when someone says your child is ‘ready for kindergarten’?"
It’s important to teach letters in a fun, play-based manner and to expect that there will be instruction in kindergarten to support your child’s literacy skills. Instead of drilling your child on their ABCs, you can point out letters on signs and while reading to your child. The key is to help your child recognize letters in the context of their environment. In addition to recognizing letters, teach your child how to say their first and last name, their phone number, street address, names of family members, colors and shapes. Michelle found her daughter Jada’s enthusiasm for reading didn’t spark until after she started kindergarten. “I tried to push reading with Jada, but she lost interest quickly. Now in kindergarten, she is coming home every day with a new story about each letter and finds it fun to find site words and do flashcards,” says Michelle. As a freelance writer and mother of two, Laura no longer hides behind a tree on the playground as her children find it is too embarrassing. CCM
October 3, 2020 Register Now
strathconatweedsmuir.com/openhouse 2020 Back-To-School • calgaryschild.com • 25
