Let’s Get Ready with Cedar Valley Publishing

As parents/caregivers, you can help your First Grader learn with ease and confidence by implementing these everyday tips:

• Communicate concerns and/or expectations with your child’s teacher.
• Foster independence by giving chores:  setting the table, dusting, putting silverware away, etc.
• Follow a daily routine to help your child transition smoothly from school to home each day. For example, empty his/her backpack together and review its contents.  Schedule homework, playtime, dinner/conversation, bathtime, shared reading time and bedtime.
• Write important home/school events on the calendar:  teacher conference, picture day, vacation days, early release days, etc.
• Volunteer in your child’s class/schoolroom or ask how you can help from home.
• Support your child by attending school functions.
• Praise hard work when completing projects and learning.
• Read various types of books, and discuss the author, illustrator and its content.
• Nurture, motivate and instill self-esteem in your child by listening to him/her. 

Take an active role in your child’s life and just watch him/her succeed at anything and everything he/she does!

Copyright 2008 Cedar Valley Publishing, Stacey Kannenberg; Author of Let’s Get Ready For Kindergarten! and Let’s Get Ready For First Grade!

What’s your favorite transition ritual that you perform with your child each day?  Why?

Introducing basic early childhood skills at home will encourage a child to have positive learning habits necessary to succeed in Kindergarten. Incorporating basic skills will prepare a child for a successful school experience because he/she will ultimately develop a natural love for learning.

Prepared below is a list of early childhood skills that can be introduced and practiced at home and school:

• Share by taking turns.
• Listen quietly.
• Wait patiently.
• Use words to communicate.
• Recognize and know your full name.
• Know your parents and/or caregiver’s first and last name.
• Use toilet by yourself.
• Dress yourself.
• Know how to zip, snap, tie, button and fasten your clothing.
• Recite and recognize alphabet letters.
• Recognize your left hand from your right hand.
• Know basic colors, shapes and numbers 0-20.
• Recognize a penny, nickel, dime, quarter and dollar bill.
• Use positional words (over, under, up, down).
• Print your first name, uppercase for first letter only.
• Know your address and phone number.
• Know how to use a pencil, crayons, glue and scissors.

Copyright 2008 – Stacey Kannenberg, Author of Let’s Get Ready For Kindergarten! and Let’s Get Ready For First Grade!

Is your child ready?  What F-U-N things are you doing to get him/her prepared?  

If two brothers can change the face of aviation, then I can tackle education!! This is my platform. 

I was a mom who was trying to get my own kids ready for school and was shocked at how advanced Kindergarten has become.  Starting the education process in Kindergarten is already too late. We need to empower kids at ages 2-4 to inspire parents and preschool teachers to all work together to be involved in education. 

A generation of children were taught to wear seat belts and they taught their parents and grandparents.  Teach children what they need to know and they will inspire their parents to become vested in education as well.  That’s the key!

A homework assignment for parents everywhere!!! Do these 6 things daily and your children will succeed!

1. Stop, Drop, and Listen.  Stop what you are doing, drop to their level and listen to your child talk about their day, daily!
2. Unload the backpack/ homework folder with your kids daily.  Be involved in helping them stay on track for the next day!
3. Read with your kids every night for 15 minutes.
4. Play a repetitive game with your kids for 15 minutes.  You could even do 10 pushups and 10 sit-ups as a family!
5. Ask open ended questions to help your kids learn to communicate effectively. 
6. Be involved in school activities and join your PTA/PTO!

Copyright 2007, Stacey Kannenberg, Cedar Valley Publishing, Author of Let’s Get Ready For Kindergarten! and Let’s Get Ready For First Grade!

Letting children know you care is one of the best ways to help them stay on top of their game.  What’s your favorite way to stay involved?