School Readiness & School Success

Learning Objectives n n explore their own feelings associated with school and their child's success in school. n n understand the developmental stages associated with school readiness. n n learn strategies for interacting with their child with books. Participants will...

A child’s perspective Hannigan, I. (1998). Off to School: A parent's eye view of the Kindergarten Year. NAEYC:Washington, DC.

Questions n n What do you hope for your child as they enter school? " n n "What is your role in your child's education?"

Educational Goals n n By the year 2000, all children in America will start school ready to learn (1989 National Governor’s Council). n n North Carolina has defined school readiness as n n the condition of children as they enter school, based on five areas of development and learning: health and physical development, social and emotional development, approaches toward learning, language development and communication, and cognition and general knowledge; and n n the capacity of schools to educate all children who come to kindergarten, regardless of their condition. Kindergarten teachers, classrooms, and principals are important in determining schools readiness for children. nc.org/overview/facts/nckinderexec.pdf

How we learn/grow

Paving the way for learning n n Trust (mistrust) n n Independence (shame or doubt) n n Initiative (guilt) n n Industry (inferiority)

Tools to use n n Books n n Common Sights n n Household environment

Evaluating Children's Books n n A winner and a loser? n n Who solves the problem? Are they always a strong white male? n n Are different colors of skin represented? Do the books have:

Evaluating Children's Books  Is there gender equity such that girls get a positive message that they are important and successful AND boys get a message they are important and successful?  Are there stereotypes (weak female, strong male, haggard old woman, pitiful disabled person)?  Are there themes of violence? Is the violence talked about as if it were good?  What else do you see?

Child characteristics... n n Confidence n n Curiosity n n Intentionality n n Self-Control n n Relatedness n n Capacity to Communicate n n Cooperation... to be prepared for school