How Teachers Can Help with The Transition to School

A child’s first educational experience is very important and crucial to his or her academic career. Early education teachers must be careful to create a positive and uplifting mood for students. As a prekindergarten or kindergarten teacher there are several things that can be done to help enhance the students’ experience. Below, I have outlined some suggestions to help a child get the most out of his or her first year of school. First plan activities carefully. Make sure that you choose lessons that are age appropriate for the children. Teaching over their head can be very frustrating for children. … Continue reading

Nonacademic Skills for Beginning School

Many parents begin preparing their children for school as early as three or four years old. They feel a need to teach their children skills such as recognizing letters and numbers, counting, recognizing names, and even beginning reading. These are very good skills for children to know when they enter kindergarten. However, there are many skills that a child needs that go unnoticed. Non-academic skills are also important. Each year, I receive children into my kindergarten classroom that have a strong academic background and are no doubt ready to begin school. However, many of these children lack basic kindergarten survival … Continue reading

Books for Beginning School

Before long, some of you will have a child beginning school for the very first time. Kindergarten is a wonderful and exciting experience. There are many children’s books out there to help ease the fears about beginning school. One of my personal favorite books is The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn. In the Kissing Hand, a young raccoon is nervous about attending school. His mother suggests that he take a part of her with him. She kisses the palm of his hand so he will know that she is always there. In return, the little raccoon kisses his mom’s hand … Continue reading