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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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