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Welcome
to the Preschool Booknook, an informative place invoking
those book-filled, cozy corners in classrooms and
libraries.
The
more we talk to children and read to children, the
more their vocabulary and communication skills blossom.
Children who can express themselves start school with
a vital advantage.
The
preschool years are an auspicious time in a child's
development, and teachers can encourage parents to
help their children make the most of it. Now that
we know that children are capable of learning at a
very early age, we can give them access to concepts
and tools - such as BOOKS - to help them be ready
for the more structured learning environment of preschool
and kindergarten.
Among
the many books published just for preschoolers are
those that present basic concepts in engaging ways
accessible to such young "readers." Concept books
are an ideal vehicle for introducing colors and shapes,
letters and numbers. After seeing these concepts illustrated
in appealing pictures, the child can recognize them
at work in the world in objects, buildings, and nature.
Counting books help make the leap from recognizing
numbers to counting "how many." In my book KINDERGARTEN
COUNTDOWN , Lucy counts the days -- and many other
things -- until school starts. Each day she does something
special to get ready, and gets more excited about
school.
Alphabet
and word books - with labeled pictures of familiar
objects - establish the relationship of sounds
with words, and words with the things they represent.
This comprehension boosts reading readiness.
Concept
books, picture books, and simple storybooks open the
door to the wider world of learning and pave the way
to preschool and kindergarten. A little knowledge
is a safe thing. It arms the child with confidence
going into the classroom.
SAYING
HELLO
Children are more comfortable when they know
what to expect and what will be expected of them.
When teachers invite them to visit before they start
school, it's reassures children to see the classroom
and a happy, humming class at work and play. It helps
both parents and children to have a sense of the routine
and activities of the school day.
An
early introduction to preschool builds anticipation
and allays anxiety. Anticipation can be reinforced
with enthusiastic talk about school. Children may
look forward to school as an adventure promising new
friends, new play, new powers!
Often
I'm asked about my book READY,
SET, PRESCHOOL! and how to tell when a three-
or four-year-old is really ready. My years working
at Sesame Street Books taught me that there are no
specific signposts of readiness applicable to every
child. Children this age develop in different ways
at different rates. Almost all children are able benefit
from preschool, however, and it should be made available
to them.
Teachers
can alert parents that they can make a real difference
by helping children get off to the best start. Preparation
positions children to make the most of preschool and
kindergarten.
Besides
being familiar with basic concepts and school activities,
children can come to the classroom feeling personally
competent. By this time, children are expected to
be able to do some things for themselves, such as
putting on a jacket, going to the bathroom, and washing
up. It's up to the parent to encourage self-care,
to step back and let the child get used to such tasks
as pulling on pants and socks, zipping and buttoning.
Self-sufficiency translates into self-control in other
areas and emboldens children to tackle new learning
challenges.
Another
crucial adjustment is getting along with others. The
transition from home to school is gentler when the
child has had plenty of playtime with other children
before facing a whole classroom of them. Sharing,
taking turns, and cooperating are behaviors children
grow to accept only through playing with others.
SAYING
GOODBYE
On the first day of school when that moment
arrives for Mom or Dad to leave the child in the classroom,
it cannot come as a surprise. Teachers may want to
counsel parents about how best to handle this goodbye.
By
preschool, children have experienced occasional separations
from parents -- to stay with a grandparent or baby-sitter
or playgroup -- and have seen that a parent always
returns. Even so, a family should prepare for that
particular goodbye on the first day of school.
The preschooler needs to hear that the parent will
leave, and know when the mother or father is coming
back. Children need to hear this in the days leading
up to school, on the way to school, and again when
saying goodbye.
Many
teachers warn parents that separation is easier if
they do not linger. I advise parents to see that the
child is engaged in an activity or with a new friend,
then say a cheery goodbye -- and make a quick exit.
One reason for a graceful, speedy departure is that
sometimes this separation is more difficult for the
parent than for the child.
ON
TO K!
Kindergarten teachers are grateful for preschool,
according to the Carnegie Foundation study "Ready
to Learn." K-teachers welcomed children coming
from preschool into Kindergarten as they found preschool
graduates equipped with better verbal skills, socialization,
and a broader base of knowledge to build upon.
Kids
call kindergarten "real school." They know
that preschool is a Big Step but kindergarten is a
Giant one. Kids are aware also that Preschool has
helped them get ready for kindergarten. And if confidence
wanes over the summer, positive reinforcement with
a few books can bring it all back.
Anna Jane Hays is an author, editor, and publishing
consultant. She was the former Vice President, Editor-in-Chief
of Sesame Street Books.
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