Life as a parent is full of tracking our little one’s milestones – baby’s first words and first steps, the first day of preschool, and now the first day of kindergarten. As many area school districts are accepting kindergarten registrations, there are so many questions we have as parents.
There are the social questions of how they will like school, will they make new friends, and will they like their teacher.
There are the logistical questions of will they like the bus ride, will they be able to last the school day without a nap, and what will we pack in their lunchbox.
But as a parent of a soon-to-be kindergartener, the biggest questions looming before my husband and I are related to academics. Does our daughter have the basic skills to succeed in kindergarten, or will she struggle and fall behind her classmates?
Yes, in preschool she learned shapes, letters, and numbers, along with how to hold a pencil and follow directions. We also practice those same skills here at home, but wonder if it will be enough.
To put our minds at ease and give our daughter the best possible start to kindergarten, we are exploring the Kumon Math and Reading Program.
A nationally-known program, Kumon is available for preschoolers as young as 3 years old, with skill development including the ability to work independently, identify sounds and letters, and strengthen fine motor skills. Students enrolled in the program show improvement in time management awareness, improved attentiveness, and perseverance.
Kumon is offering families a 50-percent discount on reading program registration from February 1-March 7 at participating centers.
As the first day of kindergarten draws nearer, remember to savor every moment, for the next big milestone will be waiting right around the corner!
