The ABC's of Kindergarten

A – Attendance ·          Attending school regularly is important to school success ·          Arrange for make-up work during extended absences. ·          Communicate with the school whenever your child is not in attendance.   B – Books ·          Have books and an assortment of printed materials available in the home. ·          Give books as gifts   C – Communicate ·          Communication between the home and school has a positive effect on a child’s achievement ·          Participate in parent-teacher conferences ·          Communicate to the teacher any major changes in your child’s life. Keep informed by reading communications sent home by the school.   D – Discussions ·          Discussions with you and others can extend your child’s vocabulary. ·          Discuss books, daily events, hobbies, games, news, family and school field trips   E – Encouragement ·          Encourage a wide range of reading materials, such as labels, game instruction, street signs ·          Encourage good speech habits by helping your child use the correct words and phrases and learn new ones ·          Encourage good study habits   F – Family ·          Family activities such as outing, projects, meal times, and visits are important   G – Games ·          Encourage cooperative play ·          Provide quality family time   H – Homework ·          Provide a quiet and well lighted work area ·          Designate a specific time ·          Provide supervision and support as needed   I – Interest ·          Support your child’s interests ·          Talk with your child about his/her day   J – Join ·          Join the PTO, PTA, parent groups, and use the free public library   K – Kids are important! ·          Know your kid ·          Organize a daily schedule with your child ·          Provide the structure that children need from adults

L – Listen and Learn ·          Listen to what your child is saying and trying to say ·          Listen to your child read, not as a reading lesson, but simply for the fun of it   M – Motivation ·          Motivate your child to become more independent in his/her homework ·          Allow your child to participate in after school activities with friends such as PTA Fun Night, Super Saturday, etc. N – Nutrition ·          Start your child’s day with a nutritional breakfast   O – Opportunities ·          Provide opportunities for exploring, independent reading, social interaction, cooperative activities, listening and talking   P – Praise and Emphasize the Positive ·          Use sincere compliments ·          Say: You are getting this done in record time! I admire you. This is really hard, but you are getting this. You did it!   Q – Quiet time can be used for ·          Reading, homework, studying, writing   R – Respect ·          Respect your child and teach him/her to respect others ·          Respect school property   S – Studying ·          Find the best time for studying ·          Keep study materials together   T – TV ·          Monitor your child’s TV time ·          Help your child develop good television habits ·          Select worthwhile programs to watch and discuss with your child.   U – Unique ·          Discover that each child has his/her own uniqueness   V – Value Education ·          Education is a stepping stone to the future   W – Watchful ·          Keep a watchful eye on how your child is doing daily   X – Xtras ·          Xtras aren’t a good replacement for your time with your child   Y – You ·          You are important to your child!   Z – Zoo ·          Zoos, museums, exhibits are neat places to visit with your child