Dear Parent(s) or Guardian,

 

           Welcome to Pre-K /K !  I am greatful for the opportunity to teach your child this year. The WNY early childhood program provides a safe place where children make new friends, play, and learn many academic skills. Entering Pre-K/K is an exciting time and is a big step in your child's life. It is an adventure for your child as well as for the entire family. The experience should be enjoyable and shared at home.

 

           As a parent, you should take learning seriously. New concepts are taught everyday so routine and structure are very important. This allows the children to understand that rules and everyday routines are helpful to maintain a healthy and happy life style. Also, the children are frequently observed and tested with new knowledge, so many days missed can effect their learning and performance level as well. However, ensuring that your child is ready for school will not occur automatically. Educating your child must be a collaborative effort between you and the teacher. No one group is soley responsible for eduacting a child and parents do play a big role in learning too. If we work together, your child will be prepared for future success in school and beyond. 

Pre-school/K  is the best time for your child to grow, learn, and expand on their creative ideas.

 

              The following activities listed below you can do with your child so learning can have a connection between home and school:

 

- Read a book with your child everyday. Encourage him/her to read along with you and retell the story's main idea and pictures.

-Talk about connections between your child's personal experience events and relate them to the story book you are reading.

-Ask questions to the teacher about how your child is doing in school.

-Take time out to do homework assigned by the teacher and talk with your child about how it relates to what they are doing in the classroom.

-Visit your local library regularly to read, play on the computer, and borrow books to take home.

-Encourage your child to scribble, draw pictures, and to write words. Keep crayons, markers, pencils, and paper handy.

- Play, cook, and talk with your child often. Ask them what they are doing and what they like to do in school.

-Encourage your child to play with playdough and cut with scissors to develop fine motor skills to strengthen muscles and coordination.

- Allow them to make their own decisions on what to wear and teach them how to zip and button their coat.

- Use play money to count and use other objects around the house to count and sort.

- Play puzzles and board games.

- Take daily walks and talk about what they see in the enviornment and all around them.

 

                It is important that we instill confidence and teach our children to learn the skills they need to be ready for future endevours. Good behavior, understanding academic concepts, and motivation to learn are the key goals in order to succeed in school. Please feel free to contact me at any time with questions regarding your child or the program. It is a pleasure to work with young students and I will be more than happy to assist you in any way I can.

                                                                              Thank you,  

                                                                               Ms. A