Tips offered to prepare preschoolers for success in school

Tips offered to prepare preschoolers for success in school

The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching surveyed more than 7,000 kindergarten teachers to learn about the school readiness of children.

They found that 35 percent of children in the United States are not ready for school and 42 percent of teachers say the situation has deteriorated in the past few years.

Knowing these dismal statistics, how can a parent ensure their child will be ready for school? "Spend time with them, play with them, get involved in activities with them," said Penny Warner, child-education expert and author of "Baby Play & Learn."

"Research studies consistently find that the first three years of life are critical to the emotional and intellectual development of a child," said Warner. "During these early years, 75 percent of brain growth is completed. What parents do during those formative years will greatly affect the child’s development."

"During that time," Warner added, "the baby develops important fine and gross motor skills, thinking and problem solving skills, communication, social and emotional skills. By providing a stimulating environment, you—as a parent, teacher, or caregiver—can help your baby reach his developmental potential during this critical time."

"When parents seek to enhance their child’s development, they need to keep three things in mind," said Warner. "Your baby learns primarily through you. The best plaything for your baby is you. Have fun with your baby."

Warner also points out that since parents are the best play thing for their baby, they have most of the equipment already available: their face, their hands and their bodies. All parents need are a few stimulating ideas, some creative materials, and time to enjoy the fun.

"After much research in the area of babies’ learning and growth, authorities have found lots of ways to help kids reach their full potential, and have a good time along the way," said Warner.

"Parents are the most important resource a child has to prepare for success in school," Warner said.

"There are so many fun things parents can do with their children that will help develop skills that the children can use for a lifetime."

Courtesy of FeatureSource.com