Copyright © 2016 The Parent Institute®, www.parent-institute.com

Enjoy lots of ways to readOne of the most important things you can do to help your child learn is to read with him every day. For summer reading fun:

• Readbooksaboutyouractivities.If you take your child to the zoo, read about zoo animals.

• Takeyourchildtostorytime and other summer reading events at your local library.

• VisittheInternationalChildren’s DigitalLibrary (http://en.childrenslibrary.org). You’ll find hundreds of books for kids aged 3–5 in more than 50 languages.

Summer is the perfect time to make sure your preschooler is on the path to kindergarten readiness. She’ll need to be able to express her thoughts in complete sentences, listen and pay attention, identify colors, and say how objects are alike and different. To help your child develop these skills:

• Readaloudeveryday.Discuss the stories as you read.

• Talkaboutthings in your child’s environment. Can she name items she sees frequently in your home or at the park?

• Makeitapointtolisten to your child. Does she state her thoughts clearly? Can she relate an event in the proper sequence?

• Increaseopportunities for your child to use words. Ask her lots of questions. Sing songs and recite nursery rhymes.

• Haveyourchildsortobjects. Once you’ve washed the dishes, for example, let your child sort them by size. Before you put clothes in the washer, ask her to put them in piles by color.

TakelearningontheroadWhether you are traveling long distances or just across town, make the most of the time on the way. These activities let your child use her eyes, ears and hands to learn:• Lettersearches.

Using a magnetic board with letters, can your child find the first letter of words you say?

• Aluminumfoilsculpting. If you can sit with your child, show her how to create different shapes with foil.

• Countinggames. Add up things you see, such as cows, billboards or blue cars.

• Singalongs. Play songs your child knows. Urge her to listen and join in.

May 2016

EncourageyourpreschoolertofeelcapableandresponsibleAs children progress through their school years, they are expected to take increasing responsibility for themselves and their learning. Preschoolers can begin to learn responsibility, too. Here are a few ways to encourage your child’s self-sufficiency:

•Givehimage-appropriatetasks. A four-year-old can’t clean the whole house, but he can pick up toys and books off the floor and put them where they belong while you work nearby.

•Teachhimtodresshimselfandusethebathroom.At times, your child may need your help. But for the most part, by the time a child enters kindergarten, he should be able to use the bathroom independently, wash his hands and get dressed.

•Don’tgiveintowhining.Sometimes, children just don’t feel like being challenged. It’s easier to whine, “I can’t!” than to try. As long as the task is one your child can do, make it clear that the responsibility is his. Say something like, “As soon as you put your clean laundry in the drawer, we can go to the library. I’ll find something to do until you’re ready.”

•Teachhimtosay,“Wouldyouhelpme,please?”Children take different amounts of time to master skills. While they are learning, they need help from adults. Encourage your child to do what he can first, then ask you to guide him through the rest. As his skills improve, let him do more for himself. Be sure to thank him for his contributions!

Buildkindergartenskillsthissummer

Helpyourchild thinklikeascientistThe goal of science is to discover how the world works. And that’s just what kids love to do! To help your child think scientifically:

• Askquestions that require thought. “Why do you think giraffes are tall?”

• Startacollection of shells or rocks. Each time your child adds something, help him compare it to the other items.

Trenton Public Schools

Copyright © 2016, The Parent Institute®, www.parent-institute.com

RaiseachildwhocaresVolunteering with your preschooler in the community helps her develop empathy and concern for others—traits that will enable her to get along with others in school and beyond. To teach your child about service:

• Chooseoneortwoactivitiesto do with your child this summer. If she loves animals, can you volunteer at a shelter?

• Discusshowyourchild’sefforts can make a difference.

• Makegivingatradition. Instead of asking your child what she wants, ask her what she wants to give.

• Introduceyourchild to local “helpers,” such as police officers or firefighters.

Helping Children Learn®

Published in English and Spanish, September through May.

Publisher: John H. Wherry, Ed.D. Editor: Alison McLean.

Staff Editors: Rebecca Miyares & Erika Beasley. Production Manager: Pat Carter.

Translations Editor: Victoria Gaviola. Layout & Illustrations: Maher & Mignella, Cherry Hill, NJ.

Copyright © 2016, The Parent Institute®, a division of NIS, Inc. P.O. Box 7474, Fairfax Station, VA 22039-7474

1-800-756-5525 • www.parent-institute.com • ISSN 1526-9256

Mistakeshappen.TeachyourchildwhatcomesnextOne of the primary purposes of discipline is to teach accountability. When they make mistakes, preschoolers need to learn that they should do what they can to fix them.

When your child misbehaves, instead of punishing her, focus on helping her take responsibility for her actions. “I asked you not to put your dirty hands on the wall, but you did anyway. Now you need to clean it up. Do you want to use a sponge or paper towels?”

___1.Haveyoulookedforcamps and programs that offer a variety of activities?

___2.Haveyoucheckedout the reading program at the local library? Do you bring many kinds of books home?

___3.Areyouplanningfamily outings, such as museum visits, picnics and other activities?

___4.Doyouhaveplenty of markers, glue sticks, paper and other supplies for creative projects at home?

___5.Areyouplanningtime for your child to play with others and just be a kid?

Howwellareyoudoing?More yes answers mean you and your child are headed for a great summer! For each no, try that idea.

Helpyourchild‘write’abookBuild your child’s emerging writing skills by helping him make a picture book. Summer experiences are a great subject.

1.Askhimtodrawa picture on the top half of a sheet of paper of something he did recently.

2.Askabouthisdrawing and write his description on the bottom of the page.

3.Repeatallsummer. Staple the pages together to make a special picture book.

May 2016

HowcanIteachmychild toplayindependently?

Q:Ontheweekends,Ispendmostofmydayplayingwithmyfour-year-olddaughter.Weread,dopuzzles,playwithblocksandgooutside.However, Ithinkitwouldbegoodforhertolearntoplayonherownalittlebit.HowcanIencouragehertodothis?A:You’re absolutely right. By the time a child is four, she should be able to play on her own for short periods. Children often come up with some of their best creative moments when their parents are not hovering over them. Try these strategies to create a little space:

•Betherewhenyourchildneedsyou. If she really needs your attention, give it to her for a few minutes. Then suggest an engaging activity she can do on her own, such as drawing. Most children play alone best after they spend a bit of one-on-one time with parents.

•Designatespecialtoys,gamesandsupplies to be used only during alone time. Select some favorites—special crayons, toy animals or a puzzle. Bring them out only when you want your child to entertain herself. A box of old clothes for dress-up is another great idea.

•Letyourchildplayalongsideyou. If she wants to be near you, but you must do some work, let her do some, too. Give her a notebook and pencil if you’re paying bills. Give her a pile of socks she can match and fold while you make dinner.

Is a summer of learning in your plans?Now’s the time to plan for an exciting summer of learning with your child. Are you including activities in your plans that will reinforce your child’s skills and help him thrive? Answer yes or no to the questions below:

}Children allowed to

develop at their own

speed will usually win

the race of life.~

—

Fred O. Gosman

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