Children grow quickly and you are your child’s first teacher. One of the best gifts you can give your child is a love of learning. You can help your child do well in school, even before kindergarten, with the following activities.

Reading out loud is the most important way for your child to learn the skills needed for reading and writing. Reading the same book over and over helps your child learn words. Ask friends, teachers, and the librarian for help choosing books for your child. Also, your child learns by example so it’s important for you to read and tell your child how much you enjoy reading. Have a children’s dictionary with pictures next to the words in your home so you can look up words together. Get a library card and begin visiting the library when your child is very young. Take your child to reading programs available at your local library.

If you speak a language other than English, speak the home language to your child from birth. Research shows that language is linked to healthy identity development and the best time for young children to learn multiple languages is during the early years. You can help your child learn how to speak by clapping your hands while saying word sounds and letters. Use songs, games, and rhymes like the Itsy Bitsy Spider. Teach your child new words and explain their meaning using words he or she already knows. Ask questions and encourage your child to ask you questions. Talk in whole sentences and use many different words when you speak.

Help your child learn to write with paper and crayons and with arts and crafts activities. Show your child how to write by preparing grocery and shopping lists together.

Children under two years should watch only educational programs like Sesame Street and Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood. Watch these programs with your child and talk about the shows.

When it is time for your child to go to preschool

Parents want their children to do well in school and parents can do a great deal to make sure children are ready for school. Giving them consistent, loving care from the beginning helps children grow physically, socially, and emotionally. When a child is ready for school, he or she is able to express feelings appropriately, give and receive help, show empathy, and care about the feelings and needs of others. When your child starts school, you can stay involved by getting to know the teachers and other parents. You can also volunteer on a school advisory committee or in the classroom.

Starting school

• Call your local school district to find out when your child can start school.
• Ask when you can go to a parent orientation meeting.
• As your school district about the skills your child must learn before he or she goes from kindergarten to first grade. These are called K standards.
• The school district can tell you which public school your child will attend. You can ask for a different school if you want. Some schools have a transition program to prepare children for kindergarten and some schools offer on-site before and after school care.
• All children must show proof of immunization before they can attend school. Call the National Immunization Hotline 1-800-232-2522 for more information.

Help your child do well in school

• Make sure your child eats a nutritious breakfast. Pack a healthy snack and lunch. Ask about free or low-cost breakfast and lunch programs.
• Make sure your child has regular health and dental checkups.
• Keep your child out of school when he or she is sick.
• Ask your child about his or her day at school.
• Know who your child’s friends are and invite them to your home.
• Attend back-to-school night.
• Provide a quiet space with good light for homework. Help your child with homework or find help, if needed.
• Have your child help with chores, but also allow free time.
• If your child seems sad, fearful or withdrawn, speak to the teacher or doctor or see a family counselor. Be a good listener for your child.

Connect with the preschool often

• Check in with the teachers briefly each day.
• Leave notes for the teachers about special needs for your child.
• Plan a conference with the teacher every 2 to 3 months.
• Share stories about your child's home activities.
• Work with the preschool and its teachers to resolve any problems.
• Drop by unexpectedly and observe the program and your child’s teachers.
• Find ways to show your appreciation for teachers, such as a card, note, or just tell them how much they mean to you and your child.

Information reviewed by expert sources: Yolanda Garcia, WestED