What should I do before my child starts school?
1. Before the school year begins find out as much as you can about the school your child will attend. Schools- even schools in the same district- can differ greatly. Don't rely on information about school from other parents. There child might have different needs and expectations from a school than yours.
2. Obtain a school handbook. This will answer questions that will arise over the year.
3. For children beginning kindergarten, ask, "What areas are emphasized in the kindergarten program? How focused is it on academic instruction?
4. If you have not seen it, ask to look at the school's report card. These roport cards show how your school compares to others in the district and indicate how well it is succeeding.
5. Visit the school web site. School web sites can provide you with ready access to all kinds of information- schedules of events, names of people to contact, rules and regulations and so forth.
6. Talk with your child about school. Let him/her know that you think school and learning are important.
What will my child's kindergarten teacher expect of my child?
1. Although teacher's expectation vary, here are some social skills and behaviors generally expected of children entering kindergarten:
a. Children should be able to foolow school and classroom rules.
b. Children should be able to listen attentively to and follow instructions.
c. Children should be able to concentrate on and finish a task.
d. Children should show self-control.
e. Children should respect the property of others, share and take turns.
f. Children should do as much for themselves as possible, such as taking care of their personal belongings, going to the toilet, washing their, hands and taking care of and putting away materials.
What can I do at home to help my child succeed in school?
1. Create a home environment that encourages learning and schoolwork. Establish a daily routine of mealtimes with time for homework, chores and bedtimes as well as time for family activities.
2. Show your child that the skills he/she is learning in school are an important part of the things he/ she will as an adult. Let him see you reading books, newspapers and computer screens, writing reports, letters, e-mails, and lists; using math to figure change or to buy groceries; and doing things that require thought and effort,
