Parents are their children's first teachers and the keys to learning are first developed at home. Your child's ability to learn and benefit from his or her school experience will depend to a great extent on what you have done with your child before school starts.
Your home has many advantages that a school cannot duplicate. You may often spend time with your child on an individual basis. At home, your child can ask you a question at any time. Usually you or someone else will listen to what your child has to say. And when you go out to run errands, bringing your child can turn the trip into an educational excursion for both of you.
If your child's skills do not develop at the same rate as another child's, don't become alarmed. Every child is unique and will learn in different ways. As you work with your child, there are many skills that will develop:
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Listening skills for good speech and vocabulary development
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Visual skills to identify colors, shapes, objects and, eventually, letters and words
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The five senses - touch, taste, smell, sight, hearing
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Physical skills - develop strength and coordination with toys that are interesting and challenging, but not frustrating | |
| • | Social and emotional maturity - help your child to feel loved, wanted, and accepted in order to build self-confidence |
According to Dr. Raymond J. Huntington, president and founder of the Huntington Learning Center, "When children have a strong foundation of support developed in their home, they are more likely to succeed in a classroom environment."
As a parent, there are many things you can do to prepare your youngster for school and ignite enthusiasm for learning. Even before your child begins kindergarten, going to the park or playground and spending time with other children will help your child become accustomed to social situations and learn how to share, take turns, and cooperate. In addition, set aside "quiet time" to teach your child to sit, play quietly, and behave. Reading to your child can make the process of learning to read much easier and may spark a lifelong interest in books. Become acquainted with your child's teacher and your local elementary school; introduce your child to this environment so that the first day of school is not such a scary time.
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