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Proper ways to get attention In kindergarten, there are more students per teacher. A child may have to learn new ways to get attention in a crowded lunchroom or ask permission to use the bathroom. It’s not just a teacher’s attention a child needs to learn to attain, but their peers’ as well. They need the ability to ask to play with a classmate, as opposed to pushing their way into a game.
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Self-care skills Your child should be able to put on and take off their coat and boots independently, and to know where to store their belongings, says Kathy Boxell, principal of Barnsdale Road School in La Grange Park. “I encourage families to have an identified spot at home where things go,” she says. This his will help once they receive homework orr paperwork that needs to return to school the he next day.
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Self-directed activities Make sure your child has the ability to fill larger blockss of time on his own. “Set it up so your child has some downtime for a chunk of the day, so they have a chance to practice those skills,”” Hauser says. Hauser user also encourages alone time for older preschoolers. “If they’re ey’re used to you giving g them 100 percent ercent attention, tion, it’s a hard d transition for them em in a classroom oom setting g or a group p that they can’t be number ber one all thee time,” she says. ays.
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Don’t compare Focus on your child making progress against himself, not others. “Remember that all children are on a different continuum developmentally, and we recognize that as teachers and administrators,” Boxell says. When it comes to mastering a specific academic skill, Hauser encourages parents to let the child take the lead. “If your child’s not don’tt push it, be because it will happen ready, don naturally.”
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Solid sleep habits Since older preschoolers often no longer nap, keeping solid bedtime routine a so with 10-12 hours of sleep wit per night will help your child have stamina for chi more challenging day. am Boxell says even 10-15 Box minutes difference in min sleep can impact a child. slee After the fun of A summer, she suggests sum getting back into a good get sleep habit almost a slee month before school mo starts. Hauser agrees, star saying children thrive on say structure and routine. “It stru definitely makes a differdef ence in how they’re going enc to ffeel and behave and participate in class.” par
Snooze time The American Academy of Pediatrics supports the American Academy of Sleep Medicine sleep guidelines: u Infants 4-12 months should sleep 12-16 hours per 24 hours. u Kids 1-2 should sleep 11-14 hours per 24 hours. u Kids 3-5 should sleep 10-13 hours per 24 hours. u Kids 6-12 should sleep 9-12 hours per 24 hours. u Teens 13-18 should sleep 8-10 hours per 24 hours. The group found that adequate sleep on a regular basis leads to improved attention, behavior, learning, memory, emotional regulation, quality of life, and mental and physical health. The AAP suggests that all screens be turned off 30 minutes before bedtime.
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Encourage a love of learning You want your child to view school as a great place to go, not a burden. “I think one of the most important things is to get your children interested in learning, and encouraging them in a very fun, positive way,” Hauser says.
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