Ready for school

presented by Minneapolis ECFE

Parents, you can make a huge difference in helping your young child get ready for school. This column features activities you can do at home. Together we build school success!

Writing

The year before kindergarten, children can learn about writing by watching adults use writing in every day life. It's helpful to experiment with writing and drawing, and it's great for children to receive positive feedback for their efforts even if the form is not perfect.

Parents help preschool children to learn about writing by inviting children to watch them write lists, notes or letters to family and friends. These demonstrations are especially powerful when adults explain what they are writing as well as the purpose for doing so.

To help children develop the "fine motor" skills they will need to start writing, try these activities: (Provide your child with the following play opportunities)

• Peg board, lacing toys, bubbles, playdough, Legos.
• Use blunt-edge scissors to cut coupons, junk mail, used magazines and newspapers.
• Beads, buttons, macaroni to string.
• Clothing that includes buttons, snaps and zippers.
• Copy or write readable letters including those in their own name.
• Write his or her own name when provided with a written (printed) copy
• Draw a simple recognizable person.

(Please note: Young children should never use scissors unless they are under the guidance of an appropriate supervisor such as a parent or guardian.)
The information in this column is adapted from Getting Kids Ready for Kindergarten, published by Early Childhood & Family Services. It's available on line at the following url: www.mpls.k12.mn.us/departments/tis (Click on "School Readiness.")

ECFE is Early Childhood Family Education, a program of Minneapolis Public Schools. Registration for winter classes is underway, For more information find ECFE online at: www.mpls.k12.mn.us/ecfe or call 612-668-3927.