HOW EARLY LEARNING PROMOTES SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL READINESS FOR KINDERGARTEN

Is your child socially ready for kindergarten?  Can she play in a group? Follow instructions? What about emotional readiness? Does he show some degree of independence? Is he comfortable in a group? One of the best ways to boost your child’s social-emotional readiness for kindergarten – and life – is with an early learning program.

SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL LEARNING DEFINED

What does social-emotional readiness actually mean? It can be defined as “being able to get along and cooperate with others, manage strong feelings, focus attention and persist at challenging tasks.” Of course, that’s often easier said than done at such a young age – yet with an early learning program under their tiny belts, little ones can more easily attain social-emotional readiness, happily prepared for kindergarten at age 5. Research backs this up. According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, early care and education programs can help children learn foundational skills for reading, math, self-control and positive relationships. The social and emotional learning benefits of kindergarten readiness are numerous.

KINDERGARTEN READINESS STARTS WITH EARLY LEARNING

Early learning programs start at age 3, well before your child’s first day of kindergarten – giving them plenty of time to build social-emotional readiness. Children can learn a great deal early on – socially, emotionally and academically.

Kumon’s pencil skills worksheets are excellent supplements to the math and reading worksheets. They help preschoolers develop fine motor skills by practicing how to hold a pencil through scribbling, drawing lines, curves and angles. Daily practice with appropriately sized pencils strengthens children’s hand muscles, giving them even more control over their pencils.

Speaking of worksheets, they’re colorful and engaging. That makes them fun and helps develop a love of learning. Worksheets also help keep young ones focused, building concentration and independence. Because they work on a subject for up to 30 minutes at a time, they’re further encouraged to focus and follow directions. Parents notice greater focus and confidence as well as a desire to work independently.

LEARNING THE BASICS: READING AND MATH 101

What’s covered in an early learning program? Children develop pre-reading skills before they learn to read by pointing and repeating. Math is also on the agenda, with children counting objects and learning number sequences before learning to write numbers. Social-emotional skills are also developed as children learn to interact with others in a positive, healthy way – including other children in the classroom and Instructors.

EVERYONE WINS WITH EARLY LEARNING

Early learning gives kids a head start for kindergarten with social and emotional benefits, as well as the basics in reading and math. When children attend high-quality ECE (early care and education) during these important years, they benefit from enhanced cognitive and social-emotional development. Society also benefits not only because more parents can participate in the workforce … but also because children may do better in the future in terms of educational success, earning potential and adult health.”

Early learning is clearly a smart move for parents with children under age 5, as the social and emotional benefits put young ones on a more successful path toward kindergarten – and a bright future.