DiscussionIs proper stroke order important when kids print letters?
When children are learning handwriting, it’s important to aim for “automaticity.” Automaticity refers to the ability to do something correctly from memory, with relatively little effort. As children learn the strokes to form letters in the same way, each time they write, they can achieve greater automaticity with handwriting. This incr...
Reading & Writing
My child still holds his pencil incorrectly. Should I worry?
Holding a pencil correctly can help avoid fatigue and cramping that can make writing difficult. Have your child rest the forearm in a neutral position on a flat writing surface. The hand should rest on the little finger allowing the wrist to move freely. The thumb needs to be in a position where it can provide resistance to the fingers...
Reading & Writing
My child becomes upset when I can't guess what he's drawn. Help?
Try responding with, “Tell me about your picture.” My mom, a former first grade teacher, passed along this very useful phrase as I started teaching and would have students proudly present their latest masterpieces that were often hard to identify.
Personal & Social Skills
My preschooler won't tell me about her day. How do I encourage her to open up?
It isn't uncommon that a child responds with such a question with not much more than, "Fine!" or "Not much!" While it might be tough to get a conversation started, a few simple things might encourage them to tell you more about their day at school. It is important to ask the right question at the right time. At preschool, it is common ...
Personal & Social Skills
My 3-year-old mixes up b's and d's. Is that normal?
Children who are just beginning to identify and write letters often confuse b, d, p, and q, reversing letters that share similar visual characteristics. Some children may continue to reverse letters into the second grade. Oftentimes, letter reversals subside as children get more reading and writing experience and build their awarenes...
Reading & Writing
What shapes does a child need to know for kindergarten?
In Kindergarten, children typically learn the names of basic shapes, including some 3-dimensional shapes. Before entering Kindergarten, you can encourage your child to recognize shapes such as squares, circles, triangles, and rectangles in everyday life. For example, you can tell your child that you see something in the room that looks...
Mathematics
How can I encourage my child to speak in front of his class?
The key is to provide your child with plenty of opportunities to communicate in a variety of contexts. Start with relatively “low-pressure” experiences like ordering food at a restaurant or asking for help locating a specific item in a store. Gradually, introduce more performance-based opportunities like reading aloud to a family membe...
Personal & Social Skills
How can I feed my picky eater more vegetables?
While it may be tempting to try to bribe or trick your child into eating more vegetables, research has shown that forcing your child to eat something can actually make picky eating behavior worse. Instead, try making your child’s experience with eating vegetables as positive, and low pressure, as possible. For example, try arranging ve...
How can I encourage my son to play outside and enjoy nature?
Take advantage of your son’s natural curiosity, and provide him with plenty of experiences to explore nature using all of his senses. For example, go for a nature walk and let him have fun navigating his way through rocks, mud, snow, tree branches, and roots. You can also give your child a bucket so they can collect leaves, acorns, pin...
Science
Any advice on picking an instrument for my daughter?
The piano and string instruments (such as a violin and guitar) are great choices because they give your child a solid foundation in reading music and music theory that will help with learning different instruments as she get older. Many string instruments also come in smaller sizes making them easier for young children to play. Larger ...
Creativity & Life Skills
How can I change the focus of the holidays away from just gifts?
One way to take the focus off of gifts during the holiday season is to reach out to others in need. You can do this by taking your child to visit a nursing home, or by providing meals for families who might otherwise not be able to afford them. Have your child go shopping with you and choose a toy to donate. Take this opportunity to ta...
Personal & Social Skills
What should I do if my son is given an inappropriate toy?
It can be difficult when your child receives an inappropriate toy from a well-meaning relative or friend, particularly because your son will likely be very excited to take it out of the box and play with it right away. If it is a safety issue, politely explain to your son that while the toy is nice, it is not safe for him to play with....
Personal & Social Skills