Experts say parents should introduce key elements of a child’s education into their at-home routine prior to enrolling them in school.
Photo Courtesy of Unsplash/Aaron Burden.
The time leading up to a child’s enrollment into an academic institution is vital. While it is the responsibility of early education teachers to set the foundation for a child’s academic skill, it is also beneficial to begin introducing educational activities to children early on. From introducing acts of independence to improving literacy, parents can take steps to further ensure the success of their children in school.
1. It’s never too early to read
A consistent reading schedule has proven to have a long-lasting effect on a child’s literacy skills.
Research has shown that reading one book a day to a child can introduce them to up to 290,000 more words by the time they reach five years old.
“I tell parents all the time– read in utero, read to a newborn, read to a six month old. Read, read, read to your children! The research heavily supports cognitive development, language development, receptive language expressive language development,” she said.
Hollowell-Makle also noted that exposure to the different books with various storylines can bring new perspectives to a child.
“It opens up the world and it makes them stronger readers as they get ready for school,” she added.
For Washington, D.C. residents who may need assistance in developing their child’s at-home libraries, the District of Columbia Public Library’s “Books from Birth” program allows parents to enroll children under the age of five to a free monthly book subscription. The book is mailed to the subscriber’s mailbox.
2. Consider a head start program
As defined by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, a Head Start program supports a child’s growth from birth to the age of five by implementing early learning, development, health and family well-being services.
Intended to prepare children for schooling, Head Start programs are available at no cost. Some of the core aspects of Head Start learning practices include implementing families into a child’s learning, incorporating learning in play and creativity, and indoor and outdoor physical activities.
Patricia Dela Torre, president of the District of Columbia Head Start Association, highlighted how effective communication amongst families and Head Start program specialists better educational outcomes.
“We give resources to the parents and at the same time, teach the kids. I think the reinforcement of what they learn from the center can be brought back to home open communication between the parents, the teachers the family engagement specialists,” Dela Torre explained.
“I tell parents all the time– read in utero, read to a newborn, read to a six month old. Read, read, read to your children! The research heavily supports cognitive development, language development, receptive language expressive language development.”
3. Invite language practices
Cristina Encinas, president of the Multicultural Spanish Speaking Providers Association, says early childhood is a sensitive period for learning language. An individual’s childhood can be an effective time to begin learning a language as they may have an easier time absorbing the language.
“We need to be very aware that there are periods of sensitivity for children at that age and one of them is the development of language. Children develop language between zero to six years old. Use words from the very beginning– not baby talk– but big words. The children are absorbing everything,” Encinas said.
Encinas also noted methods that parents can introduce to better a child’s language skills. These activities can be included into a parent’s daily routine with their child while leaving a lasting impression on their linguistic abilities.
“Exposing them to rich language environments is the very first thing we need to be aware of,” said Encinas, adding that “reading books and using extensive words– describing everything they see when they go out– singing songs rhymes” can all lead to educational moments.
4. Embrace differences
As your child enters an academic institution, they will likely be met with peers of varying backgrounds. Whether they will be introduced to new languages or cultural practices that differ from their own, there is value in finding unique ways to educate them on the diversity of their surroundings.
Parents can implement books that feature characters of various communities or invite visual representations of diverse groups through art and toys. Not only will this better your child’s understanding of diversity, but it will also allow for them to build confidence in their own identity.
“Representation is very important. It’s important for affirmation for the young children, it’s important that children see themselves in the educators that teach them, and it’s also important for children to have diverse educators in their life,” Hollowell-Makle shared.
Hollowell-Makle said embracing diversity in a child’s educational activities can positively impact character development.
“They have a tendency to have more of a broad worldview, more empathy, more sympathy and just have a better understanding of how the world works and how all these different cultures and ethnicities play a part in it,” she said.
5. Establish independence
Though children who have yet to begin school are young, there are many ways parents can introduce small acts of independence.
Many toddlers have developed motor skills that allow them to try small tasks out on their own. It is common for preschool and kindergarten educators to implement independent tasks into a child’s routine. Practicing routines at home will aid the child in smoothly transitioning to a school environment.
As described by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), toddlers can complete tasks such as carrying their own lunch boxes, putting toys away, placing their shoes by the door or putting clean laundry into drawers.
The NAEYC also encourages acts of independence that can be introduced into a child’s daily schedule. These activities can include putting on their shoes, walking to the car, or feeding the family pet. While these acts may seem minor, they aid in familiarizing the child with completing duties on their own.
