How to Support Your Kindergarten-Aged Child During and After School Closures
As a parent, you might find yourself feeling overwhelmed with the challenges of overseeing your child's education in the wake of school closures. My daughter, who is in kindergarten, has experienced significant setbacks in her learning journey. With schools abruptly closing in March, she fell behind in her educational path, and as a result, she is learning very slowly. This experience can be particularly worrying for parents who feel that their child might end up repeating the grade.
Millions of Children Face Similar Challenges
Millions of kids and their families are navigating similar issues during these unprecedented times. Many parents are concerned about the long-term effects on their children's academic careers. It is crucial for school districts to make accommodations, both during and after the return to normalcy, to address the learning gaps caused by the disruption. Repeating a grade for millions of students might not be the best solution, as it could further undermine their confidence and overall educational experience.
Importance of Socialization and Basic Knowledge
It is important to understand that kindergarten is more about socialization, social skills, and basic knowledge such as getting accustomed to the routine of morning wake-up and morning school. It is about introducing children to a world beyond their family and close friends, learning to play and interact with others. This foundational knowledge can be made up for through parental effort, such as reading to children and engaging them in age-appropriate books.
Utilizing Library Resources and Reading
You can access a wealth of age-appropriate books from various resources. One excellent option is the Public Library, which offers a wide range of books and educational materials. Another great resource is Amazon, which provides a vast collection of books suitable for young readers. Regularly reading to your child is not only beneficial for their learning but also for fostering a love of reading and a closer bond between you and your child.
Step In When Needed
If your child is facing learning difficulties, it is essential to be proactive and step in where the school has failed to provide adequate support. For example, when my daughter exhibited symptoms of dyslexia, I had to take matters into my own hands. During the summer, I helped her recognize letters and some phonemes, giving her a head start in her reading journey.
As a former high school teacher, I recognized the signs of dyslexia and had her professionally tested. The results were shared with the school, leading to additional instruction in reading throughout her schooling. Even though she faced initial challenges, she has proven to be gifted, completing her International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma in high school and going on to get a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree in college.
Advocating for the Correct Curriculum
It is important for schools to implement early and effective interventions for learning disabilities. In my experience, the school district finally started a curriculum to address dyslexia as early as first grade. However, advocating for such changes was necessary. School districts must be proactive in identifying and addressing learning difficulties to ensure students receive the support they need to succeed.
As a parent and former educator, it is encouraging to see that there are resources available to support kindergartners during this challenging time. By staying engaged, proactive, and utilizing various educational tools, you can help your child make up for lost time and ensure they are on track for a successful academic journey.