Helpful Hints

Your Child and Television

  • Limit TV viewing and select suitable programs

  • Watch with your child--use commercial time to discuss the program

  • Discuss/describe characters, setting, voices, and background music

  • Watch without sound--make up words together, use closed captions to help your child understand conversation can be written

  • Discuss actions and facial expressions, discuss feelings

  • Make predictions about what will happen next or how the program will end

Friendly Reminders

  • Allow your child to explore and experiment

  • Encourage the use of all five senses when playing or exploring

  • Involve your child as much as possible in your activities

  • Playing is a child's natural way of learning; make play experiences meaningful

  • Young children enjoy working with objects they can manipulate--include scissors, glue, paint, play dough, etc.

  • Young children often have short attention spans (a child may become restless if an activity is too lengthy, too formal or too complicated)

  • Repetition is vital--children like to repeat things that are interesting to them

  • Learning activities should be a relaxing time, free from as many distractions as possible

  • Use short frequent periods of time for working with your child rather than occasional extended periods

  • Check your child's book bag daily for papers/notes

  • Call, visit, or write the teacher whenever a concern arises

  • Indicate school is important by promoting good attendance and prompt arrival each day

  • Do not remove every frustration your child encounters, teach him/her how to deal with frustration

  • Do not compare siblings or have unrealistic expectations

  • Do provide time for individual attention

  • Do love, encourage, and praise your child

Social and Emotional Development

  • Tell and show your child frequently that he/she is loved and appreciated

  • Provide opportunities to play with other children their age

  • Provide responsibilities at home

  • Challenge but do not frustrate your child

  • Be consistent in expectations and place limits on behavior (don't think something is cute the first time and then scold the second time)

  • Demonstrate the attitudes and behaviors you want your child to imitate

Health Tips

  • Establish a regular bed time so your child is well rested

  • Provide a nourishing breakfast or lunch for your child

  • Help your child dress appropriately and prepare for weather conditions

  • Your child will be exposed to a multitude of germs in the school environment. You can minimize the effect on your child by

    • Teaching your child to cover his/her nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing

    • Teaching your child the proper usage and disposal of tissues

    • Teaching your child the appropriate use of the restroom facilities and washing of hands when finished

    • Teaching your child not to share personal items such as hats and combs

    • Teaching your child to keep objects out of his/her mouth