Getting Your Child Ready for Kindergarten by Kristen J. Amundson

Author:Kristen J. Amundson [Amundson, Kristen J.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers
Published: 2018-01-16T05:00:00+00:00

Develop Self-Control

In the late 1960s, researchers conducted a fascinating study on young children. Children were offered a cookie or a marshmallow as a treat. The researcher said that if they wanted to eat the treat right now, they could choose one. But if they could wait a few minutes while the researcher left the room, they could have two treats.

The temptation was hard to resist. But some children, even those who were very young, managed to wait so they could eat a second treat.

Years later, the researchers learned something surprising. The children who had the self-control to wait for a few minutes were more successful than the children who gobbled down the treat right away. They did better in school. They went to better colleges. They got better jobs (Lehrer 2009). The self-control they displayed as young children helped them throughout their lives.

Self-control is important for children in the classroom. One teacher can’t always answer a child’s question right away. Children can’t go outside to play whenever they feel like it. And if they get upset, they have to know how to calm themselves down and behave in appropriate ways.

Parents can help children learn how to develop self-control. One way is by helping children see the connection between their actions and the consequences of those actions. If two children are fighting over a toy, the consequence is that the toy will be put away for a while. If a child loses his temper, he may have to sit quietly on the stairs for a few minutes until he can calm himself down.

Parents also teach children self-control by expecting children to wait sometimes for what they want. This is called delayed gratification. “We’re not eating sweets now. Dinner is in a few minutes. We’ll have dessert after we eat.”

What to Look For in a Kindergarten Visit

In many communities, finding a kindergarten for your child is simple: your address determines the school your child will attend. But in many places, parents have the option of choosing a school that fits their child. Other parents want to look at a private or charter school.

Trying to choose from among many options can be confusing. Talking to neighbors is a place to start—but your child may thrive in a classroom that is very different from one that works well for the child next door.

A kindergarten visit can help you get a better idea about whether the school and program would be a good fit for your child. Here are some ways to make the most of a kindergarten visit.

Don’t just show up. Many schools offer scheduled tours and visits for prospective students. Others will allow you to visit a classroom but ask that you schedule the visit in advance.

Try to picture your child in the classroom. Will there be time for active learning as well as quiet time? Are there examples of student work on the walls?

Check out the resources that are available in the classroom. Good kindergartens don’t need every new bell and whistle.

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