A: This is a loaded question and could take a dissertation to answer effectively. Therefore, let's focus on the number one request I receive from teachers regarding school readiness. Teachers often request support with social emotional development skills. These skills include self-regulation, cooperation and effective communication.
The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) suggest wonderful strategies to help your child practice these skills at home.
Here are a few.
Demonstrate and model how to effectively communicate by using specific language, reflecting before speaking and taking a breath or two to calm emotions. Like Daniel Tiger reminds, "Count to four before you ROAR!"
Give specific feedback instead of general comments, EX: I think you're frustrated; can you explain why you threw your toy across the room. Instead of, why did you do that?
Model attitudes, ways of approaching problems and behaviors towards others showing rather than telling them. My mom would remind me, my eye roll becomes their eye roll.
Show warmth and affection regularly. When children feel love, they are happier and more emotionally balanced.
These skills require practice and patience but with teachers and parents partnering with consistency, school readiness at every stage of development becomes the outcome. For more download the free 10 Teaching Strategies that are easily adaptable for home.
Mrs. Pizzo
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