We have had a wonderful year in Pre-School! It is difficult to believe that this school year is coming to a close! We have made friends that we will remember forever. Together, we have grown physically, academically, and socially. We look forward to a fun-filled Summer with our families. While Summer vacations are a super time filled with beautiful weather, family, and friends, this time can also be well-spent by reviewing some academic concepts so that your child will feel confident and prepared for his or her Pre-Kindergarten year.
There are plenty of teachable moments that manifest themselves during routine household chores. Why not let your child help you fold the socks when the laundry is done? Can your child find a match for their favorite sock? Which socks are different and therefore do not belong? When you are setting the table for a meal, let your child count the number of forks and spoons you need. Your child can help you count out the celery sticks and the cucumbers on each plate. You can also say something like: “Mommy likes celery so much! Can I have more than anybody else please?” Conversely, you can say something like: “Daddy does not like carrots that much so can you give him less on his plate?” Each day, at some point take a look at the calendar with your child. Review the days of the week and the months of the year. Have your child count out the numbers to arrive at that current date. These are just a few suggestions of how to include Pre-school skills in your household routines.
It is also important to continue developing Gross Motor and Fine Motor Skills. Take a walk on a nice day. Talk to your child about the colors you see, the words on signs you pass or even what the fluffy clouds look like in the sky that day. Let your child run and climb on the playground at the park. Plan a time to swim with a friend. All of these activities will help build your child’s muscles. Some fine motor activities could be coloring, using scissors, painting with big and little paintbrushes, writing their first name, and playing with playdough or clay. If you spend a day at the shore, you may want to have your child draw a picture of their favorite part of that trip. Ask open-ended questions about what they’ve drawn. Write down their words as they explain what they drew, so they continue to see a correlation between pictures and words in story-telling.
One of my most favorite tips is to read to your child each day. It is truly an important part of their development. If you are making a family trip to the Zoo, take a ride to your local library and check out some books on your child’s favorite animals. Many libraries also have Summer story hours with a simple craft afterwards which might give your child the opportunity to meet new friends and socialize with other adults safely. Some craft stores often have similar fun educational activities for younger children.
Thank you very, very much for sharing your child with me. We have had a very special year together and I wish you and your child a Summer filled with wonderful memories!
ENJOY YOUR SUMMER!!!
Teacher Lisa
June Events