Today, we're busily eating lunch when my 9-yr-old asks me, "Mom, is Rudy ready for Preschool?" Not really know what he meant I asked him, "What do you mean?" It was no surprise to me that my oldest was asking because he seems to think our little guy will have problems with his behavior. We won't know until he attends school, but it really got me thinking. What does it take to be ready for Elementary? What can we do, at home to prepare our child and, moreover, what can schools do to help prepare incoming children for the 2011-2012 School Year?

Thanks to Primrose Schools Just Ask a Mom, I've got some great pearls of wisdom to share with you if you're wondering the same thing I am. Will my child be ready for elementary school?



More and more parents are recognizing the importance of readiness – a well-rounded preparation in basic concepts and social skills – as essential to their child’s future success. But what does a good start, or being ready for school, really mean? “Readiness” means learning how to think critically, use mathematical concepts, share and show self-control – skills that support a positive transition to elementary school.

Research confirms that focusing on academics alone is not enough to ensure success. Parents should look for programs that provide nurturing guidance and attention to every aspect of development so children can develop compassion, confidence and a love of learning in addition to math and reading skills. An early childhood education must nurture the whole student.

Academics: Go beyond concentrating only on basic math and reading skills. Academic success is not just about memorization – it requires learning how to think critically, use mathematical concepts, express curiosity and develop competence in language skills like listening, speaking and writing.

Technology: In today’s technology-rich world, children need to have a grasp of technology as a tool for creative expression and problem solving. Computers equipped with developmentally-appropriate educational software and online resources should be integrated into the classroom.

Physical Development: Children who participate in daily physical activity develop basic motor skills like throwing, jumping and balance that help them become healthy adults. Physical activity also creates neural connections that support academic achievement.

Music and Art: Young children naturally engage in “art,” or spontaneous, creative play, but when educators involve children in music and art activities regularly from an early age, they encourage cognitive and emotional development.

Social-Emotional Development: Preschool programs should focus on social and life skills to help your child establish positive relationships and transition easily to elementary school.

Help your child take the next step by learning more about school readiness from Primrose Schools at www.justaskamom.primroseschools.com/resources.

Parents, do you feel your child is ready for Elementary? What are you doing at home to prepare them?



Disclosure: This post made possible by Primrose and representing PR agency. Although opinions stated are always my own, I have been compensated for my effort.

Tweet