School is
almost out and that means parents will soon be receiving their child's final
report card of the school year. Understandably, parents can get a little
apprehensive when report card time rolls around. Here are some tips from
Fairmont's early childhood experts to help you make the most of your child's
report card.
A+ for
effort--“Parents should praise the effort not just the outcome. Children need
to know that working hard and giving their best effort is more important than
making the equivalent of straight A’s,” says Kelly Robinette, Fairmont’s Senior
Education Coordinator. “At this age parents need to reinforce the idea
that working hard and practicing a skill is key to success; otherwise, children
can be tempted to throw in the towel when learning doesn’t come easy.”
Avoid
comparing your child to others--Since a child’s early years are so
developmental in nature, it is important that you try to avoid comparing your
child with other kids in the class, and keep in mind that each child is unique
and will master skills in his or her own time. Instead of comparing,
celebrate your child’s achievement and focus on the areas where you know he or
she worked extra hard.
When to
intervene--If your child is “below expectation” or “approaching expectation” in
a certain skill at the end of the school year, check with your child’s teacher
to see what you can do at home to help your child improve. Even if your
child has aced certain areas, there’s nothing wrong with reinforcing key skills
over the summer so that he or she starts the new school year strong.
Simple ways parents can support learning
Language Arts--While
at the grocery store, have children read as much as they can--the products
listed on each aisle, the labels on canned goods, etc. They can do a
letter or word hunt while you shop. Have them search for and count as
many letter “A’s” as they can...and so forth.
Math--Count
the forks and spoons as you empty the dishwasher. Work on writing numbers
that are important to your child like their age, birthday or address.
Dominos, dice, and playing cards are all great tools for teaching young
children about math.
Handwriting/Penmanship--Any
activity to strengthen fine motor skills helps with handwriting. Try
having your child cut a variety of materials including paper, cardboard and
playdough. Playdough is a great tool for strengthening little hands and
fingers in preparation for proper pencil grip and penmanship. Encourage
little ones to trace out letters with their index finger in shaving cream or
sand, or mold letters with clay or “moon sand,” which you can find at stores
like Target.
Science/Social
Studies--Take advantage of summer by getting outside and experiencing nature.
Go on nature hikes and scavenger hunts. Plant a garden. Visit local
parks, the beach, and wonderful learning museums like the Discovery Science
Center and the Aquarium of the Pacific. If you plan to travel with your family
this summer, have your child chart your travels on a map and record memories in
a journal.
Contributed
by Danyelle, Fairmont Private Schools
