Kindergarten is such an amazing time for children and parents alike. It plays a crucial role in your child’s growth and development, and the opportunities they have for learning during this time are boundless.
So, if you find that you’re not really sure on what to do once your child reaches this stage, then read on below and find out how you can help your kindergartner make the most out of the experience.
Encourage learning
Kindergarten is the time when your child gets even more curious about the world around him. Inspire him to explore his surroundings by showing enthusiasm whenever they talk about something that is new to them; paint learning as something that is good and reward them whenever they take the initiative to get to discover things on their own.
Also, make sure to participate in their education. Answer whatever questions they may have and always present them with opportunities to ask you for help. Be enthusiastic in their learning and organize at-home activities for you to do that spark their interest. For example, simple counting games and word association exercises are a great way to practice their minds.
Involve yourself in their day-to-day
Aside from caring for your child’s basic needs, you can go one step further by introducing them to activities that promote curiosity and fun. You can do that by:
- Reading with them. This will stimulate their language skills as well as their imagination, both of which are crucial for them to have in school.
- Talking to them. Ask them about their school day. What did they learn? Did they have fun with their friends? How did they do in class today? Not only will this build a rapport with your child, but this will also reinforce their communication skills.
- Enjoying with them. Listen to music, dance, or play with them whenever you are able. Not only is it fun, but it opens them up to mental and physical development. Though it may not be obvious right away, there is actually learning happening in these moments. For example, a simple game of hide and seek can teach counting, spatial awareness, motor skills, and problem solving through hands-on experience all in one go.
- Practice responsibility. Teach your child to be independent by allowing them to perform small tasks like cleaning up their own toys or placing their dishes in the sink after eating. This will teach them the value of taking care of one’s self – something they will have to do at school to some extent.
Immerse yourself in their environment
Don’t be a stranger! Go to their school and take a look around. Knowing what kind of environment they’re in and what lessons they’re learning will help in you understanding and assisting them better.
You could also get to know their teachers. That way, you can ask how your kindergartener is doing since you can’t monitor them all the time.
Introduce real-life experiences
Another great way to supplant your child’s learning at school is to show them the practical applications of the things they’re learning about. Perhaps you could take them to a museum to show them about dinosaurs, or you could go to the zoo to learn more about all kinds of animals.
Even a simple trip to the grocery can afford a plethora of learning opportunities for them. As long as you expose them to their environment, they’re bound to glean something from it.
Takeaway
As parents, it falls upon us to guide our children during this crucial time in their lives. Because our kindergartners are only beginning to understand the world around them, we should make ourselves available to guide them through their journey of discovery every step of the way. Gentle taps and light beckons towards the right direction should get them on the path to learning in no time – something that will most definitely pay off in the future.
