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