5 Ways to Set Up Your Child for School Success in Kindergarten and Beyond

Starting kindergarten can be an exciting and nerve-wracking time for both children and their parents. It’s a big transition, and there are a lot of unknowns. However, there are several things you can do to set your child up for success in kindergarten and beyond. 

Develop a Consistent Routine

One of the most important things you can do for your kindergartener is to establish a consistent routine. Children thrive on predictability, and having a set routine can help your child feel secure and prepared for the day ahead. Start by establishing regular wake-up and bedtimes, and plan out a schedule for meals, playtime, and other activities. Make sure to leave enough time for your child to get ready in the morning and wind down before bedtime. A consistent routine will help your child develop good habits and prepare them for success in school.

Encourage Independence

Kindergarten is a time when children start to develop more independence. Encourage your child to take on tasks such as getting dressed, brushing their teeth, and packing their backpack. This will not only help your child feel more confident and capable but also develop the skills they need to succeed in school. Encouraging independence also helps children develop a sense of responsibility, which is an essential part of being a successful student.

Read, Read, Read

Reading is one of the most important skills your child will learn in school, and it’s never too early to start. Make reading a part of your child’s daily routine by reading together every day. Choose books that are appropriate for your child’s age and reading level and let your child take turns reading out loud. Not only will this help your child develop reading confidence that will benefit them in the classroom (and life), but it will also foster a love of learning that will last a lifetime.

Foster a Love of Learning

Speaking of a love of learning, it’s important to foster this in your child from an early age. Make learning fun by playing educational games, doing puzzles, and engaging in other activities that challenge your child’s mind. Encourage curiosity and exploration, and let your child know that it’s okay to make mistakes and ask questions. When children love to learn, they are more motivated to succeed in school and beyond.

Focus on Cognitive Skills

Research shows that kids don’t necessarily grow out of challenges with focusing, problem-solving, and reading. Instead, the longer you wait, the more that skill causes problems for learning and life skills.

For example, if your child has low working memory and logic & reasoning skills as a 5 year old, if that weakness is not addressed at age 5-6, by the time they hit 3rd grade they may present as having ADHD or other more significant learning struggles.

Addressing these skills early is really the best thing for your child’s brain and future schooling!

Building your child’s cognitive skills before they begin to flounder may prevent months or years of stress, struggle, and frustration when it comes to learning. Making sure your child’s brain is developmentally equipped to handle learning in a school environment can make all the difference!

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