Prepare kids for kindergarten by reading to them, teachers say
February 26th, 2012 Posted in Arts and LifeBy Tara Alvey
HYRUM — When a child enters kindergarten, it helps if they can recognize numbers zero to 10, recognize patterns, identify shapes and colors, and perhaps even distinguish between different times of the day, teacher Susan Rice told parents at a workshop at Lincoln Elementary School. 
The workshop was for parents of the 4-year-olds who will be entering kindergarten next year.
Rice, a kindergarten teacher at Lincoln, explained to parents some of the skills that children should be coming into kindergarten already knowing. Kristi Stephenson, another kindergarten teacher at Lincoln, talked to parents about activities they could do with their child to help increase their readiness for school. Each parent was given a packet of materials and activities that they can use to help their child learn.
“Use accountable talk with your child,” said Lynette Riggs, principal of Lincoln School. “When you’re doing activities with them make sure to use phrases like, ‘How do you know?’ ‘Can you show me?’ and ‘What do you mean?’ Asking your child questions like this helps them think through what they’re doing.”
Parents were also given several lists of books that they can read to their children to help prepare them for school.
“My advice is books,” said Rice. “Just read to your kids. I know that not everyone can afford to buy a lot of books, but that’s why we have a library. Reading is just so important and can help your child grow so much.”
“We’re giving you a lot of materials tonight, but don’t by any means feel like you need to use them all,” said Stephenson. “It’s important to find what works for you.
“I know you’re already doing many of these activities at home with your child, you just need to take the time to talk about what you’re doing with your child so they can understand and begin to make connections,” she said.
Lincoln Elementary will hold another workshop March 21 for parents of children entering kindergarten. For more information, visit http://www.ccsdut.org/Lincoln.cfm?subpage=18.
NW
Tags: Hyrum, kindergarten readiness, Lincoln School, workshop
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