Newswise — As the nation's children prepare to return to school, experts from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) offer the following tips:
Preparing Children For KindergartenGoing away to preschool or kindergarten for the first time can be scary for children. "To prepare a child for the experience, talk to your child about the separation emotionally and not intellectually," says UAB early childhood education expert Jerry Aldridge, Ed.D. "It's better to say 'Dad loves you and will miss you today, but when I pick you up after school I'll be so happy to see you,' instead of 'If you don't go to school you won't learn what the other kids learn.' Read good books to children about starting kindergarten. Books like 'Arthur Goes to School,' and 'Kindergarten Kids,' are excellent books to read."
What's Your Child's Learning Style?Every child has his or her own learning style, says UAB early childhood education expert Jerry Aldridge, Ed.D.· "Some children have perceptual preferences.," says Aldridge. "That means they have to see something such as illustrations or hear something in order to learn it." · "Children with kinesthetic preferences learn best when they can touch and move objects around." · "Other children have sociological preferences. For example, some children prefer studying alone, whereas others may learn better in a study group." · Children also may have time of day preferences. "America is a morning culture, but some children aren't morning people," says Aldridge. "So it's important for a parent to monitor when a child does best and plan homework time accordingly." · "A child may have mobility preferences. For example, some people learn better when they are moving or pacing the room as they study." · Then there are environmental preferences. "Some children study best at the dining room table while others are more productive sitting on the floor. Some can even play the radio as they study."
Preventing First-Day-of-School JittersWhile some children take to going to school right away, other children have trouble making the transition from home to preschool for the first time. "Prevention is the first step," says UAB child and adolescent psychologist Vivian Friedman, Ph.D. "Some children are just naturally more clingy than other children. Often it results from parents who are fearful and convey that with excessive warnings to be careful. When it's to the extreme, children will get the message that it's not safe to be anywhere without mommy." Here are Friedman's suggestions: "About a month before school, visit the school playground and the classroom. Also, meet the teachers. Some schools even offer visitation days to help children adjust to the new environment."
Encouraging the Reluctant ReaderSome children don't enjoy reading. They complain that reading is boring, or that they simply prefer to do other things, such as watching television. But a child who doesn't read can fall behind in their reading skills, which can lead to problems in the future, says UAB reading and literacy expert Kathleen Martin, Ph.D. Martin offers parents the following tips for encouraging the reluctant reader: "Find the topics that capture your child's interest. Then find books on those topics. If a child seems reluctant to read novels, try non-fiction books and magazines. Make sure the books you select are at an appropriate reading level for the child. If a child becomes fascinated with a book that is difficult for them to read unassisted, read it with your child, and be prepared to chime in when the child reaches a word he or she cannot pronounce."
Take the Scare out of HalloweenIn the days leading up to Halloween, children are bombarded with social activities, books, films and television shows about witches, ghosts and goblins. UAB child psychologist Vivian Friedman, Ph.D., suggests that when it comes to small children, parents avoid an emphasis on scary stories. "Small children believe anything is possible because they don't have a scientific framework. Hearing scary stories opens them up to fears about monsters in the closet or of being in the dark. Parents should be clear in telling children that the stories aren't real and to help them separate fantasy from reality." When buying Halloween costumes, Friedman says parents should remember that a 3- or 4-year-old often is unable to distinguish between reality and fantasy. "Costumes with masks, green faces or mutilated body parts can be disturbing to small children. Parents should allow little kids to pick their own costume. Children will generally choose characters they are comfortable with, such as Barney, ballerinas, cowboys or storybook characters."
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