HOME SKILLS

Some parents need a school 'wake-up' call.  Recently I spoke to a group of parents of soon-to-be kindergarten students.  I always have them 'remember when they were in first grade and what they did,'  THAT is what we are doing in kindergarten now.  In the back, a parent said out loud, "WOW"  
Most new parents or parents who haven't had children in kindergarten, even within the past 5 years, don't realize the new expectations.  So in response to the "WOW", I said Thank you.  It is our job to also parent the parents, teach the parents what we do in school now.

During our parent orientation meeting (in place of Open House) at the beginning of the school year, we give an information packet.  The definition and explanation of Home Skills is an important page. This is what it says:

HOME SKILLS

What does this mean?

As children enter our academic kindergarten, there are many areas they should be able to do, or are in the process of "working on it" before they come to school.  These skills of development are called HOME SKILLS.

Fine Motor Skills
Fine motor skills are needed for success in school to do "writing" are:

• zipping and/or buttoning own coats
• tying
• colors neatly and carefully
• uses scissors with control 

Throughout the year the students will be using these skills in the classroom work.  
Your child should be given many opportunities at home to practice these skills so they can do them at school confidently. 

Large Motor Skills
The development of a child's large motor skills enables him/her to control their whole body to sustain their attention and focus in school.
Playground skills such as:
running              skipping           hopping
throwing and catching               climbing

Provide times for free outside play which allows these skills to develop.

Outside play is also important for VISUAL development as well as the physical development.

Verbal Skills
Being able to speak in sentences and using correct grammar helps children to be well prepared for following directions as well as writing, reading, and test taking.
Your child should be able to:
Recite their full name clearly.
Recite their telephone number
Recite their address including city and state
Retell stories in correct order
Recite nursery rhymes

The Importance of Play
Turn off the tv, computer, video games so the children can develop their whole body and mind.
Bright minds never say " I'm bored."
Allow your child time to think of something to do.  Imagination is a wonderful thing. An active imagination crates wonderful stories, increases vocabulary and well-rounded children.

Self-Confidence
Children should have chores to do at home.  Chores appropriate for kindergarten students include:
folding towels           cleaning their room
caring for pets           collecting the garbage
setting the table        helping to clean off the table

Following through with the chore until it is finished develops responsibility.  Don't accept the excuse, "I can't"
Encourage your child to try new things and reward them for their efforts.  (praise is worth more as a reward than money allowances or gifts of toys)

 
Parent Responsibility
1.  You are your child's first teacher.
2.  You should be a support to the school for learning and practice at home.
3.  You should help establish positive homework routines.  Find a special place at home to do homework.  Set a specific time to do homework.
4.  READ to your child.
5.  Talk with your child.