| There is no exact profile for what a child should | | | | books that just have pretty pictures in them. Let |
| be ready to do or know, prior to entering school. | | | | your child read a book to you. It doesn't matter if |
| Children should be able to recognize letters, count | | | | they can read the words, what matters is how |
| to 20 or higher, write his/her name, know where | | | | they view the book. Easy reading material |
| he/she lives, and read or pretend to read. Parents | | | | develops fluency and provides practice in using |
| can help their child be ready for school by reading | | | | good reading strategies. |
| to them and helping them to recognize words, | | | | I would also suggest that you order children's |
| teaching them letters, teaching them how to | | | | magazines for your child. There are many |
| count, teaching them how to write their name | | | | wonderful magazines available for the very young |
| and simple words. Parents can also (if available) | | | | through the teen years. They prompt reading, |
| enroll their child into a good preschool program. | | | | writing and often peak interest in different areas. |
| But, this does not mean that you allow someone | | | | When my daughter was young, she had |
| else to take over the responsibility of teaching | | | | subscriptions to several different magazines. We |
| your child the fundamentals of reading, writing and | | | | also made a point of purchasing the Little Golden |
| arithmetic. You are your child's first teacher. | | | | books at the grocery store each week. Of |
| There are many wonderful preschool programs | | | | course, the price of those have gone up (we paid |
| across the country. Many of them are connected | | | | .29 per book), but she loved reading them over |
| to local schools. Check in your area to see what is | | | | and over. |
| available. Spend time at your child's preschool to | | | | Another great way to educate your child is to |
| be sure that your child is getting the education | | | | allow them to watch certain children's shows. |
| you are hoping for. Find out how many of the | | | | Sesame Street teaches children letters, numbers |
| employees have some form of education beyond | | | | and even foreign languages. Between the Lions |
| high school. Ask questions of the director to see if | | | | teaches children letters and reading. Both of these |
| they offer parenting classes, informal gatherings | | | | shows also teach social skills and pride in oneself. |
| (to meet and greet with other parents), what is | | | | There are many other shows available for young |
| the curriculum, are they accredited, and do they | | | | children that influence them to read. Make sure |
| do home visits. A good preschool will have some | | | | that the shows your child is watching simulate |
| kind of booklet which will address all of your | | | | them in a positive way. |
| concerns. | | | | All children can learn to read. It takes time to |
| Children who find reading difficult in school are | | | | learn anything. Take the time with your child to |
| often children who have not had exposure to | | | | teach them. Remember, as the parent, you are |
| reading prior to school. Take your child on a trip | | | | your child's first teacher. It is essential that children |
| to your local library. Find out if they hold story | | | | have many opportunities to read. Reading opens |
| time and schedule yourself and your child to be | | | | up an entirely different view of our world. Expose |
| there. Allow your child to check out easy books, | | | | your child to many books, magazines and words. |
| picture books, books with few words, and even | | | | |