Month: February 2023

What is Reading Intervention?

Reading intervention

Reading intervention is a highly effective strategy for helping students become stronger readers and more confident writers. It can be used in a whole-class format or in small groups.

Many schools are adopting reading intervention programs to help their struggling students. However, it is important to remember that this process takes time and requires a lot of effort on the part of the teacher.

It is a highly effective strategy

Reading intervention is a highly effective strategy that improves the reading skills of students who are struggling to read. This can help them achieve their full potential and lead a successful life.

It also helps them become strong readers and confident writers. It can be used in a school setting or in the home.

Research has shown that reading is one of the most important skills to develop in children. It is essential to build a child’s reading abilities so that they can succeed in their studies and lead a happy and fulfilling life.

It is therefore very important to provide students with the right support so that they can read successfully and reach their goals. There are many different types of reading intervention strategies, which can be tailored to the specific needs of each student.

It is a good way to build confidence

Reading intervention is a great way to build confidence in students who are struggling with reading. The program aims to improve their skills by focusing on phonemic awareness, phonics and comprehension. It also helps to overcome language barriers and ensures that the student is able to learn at his or her own pace.

Regardless of the level a student is at, it is important to remember that learning how to read takes time and lots of patience. However, teachers should not get frustrated if the student is not making progress quickly; they should remain patient and continue working with the student to help them build their confidence in reading.

One of the best ways to build reading confidence is to make reading fun! Let your child pick out a book that interests them, and read it together. This will build their self-esteem and give them a sense of accomplishment when they are able to read a book on their own without needing your assistance.

It is a good way to assess a student’s progress

In the classroom, teachers assess their students through a variety of methods. They use screening assessments, progress monitoring and summative assessment.

Screening assessments, like curriculum-based measures (CBMs), are used to identify students who may be at risk of reading difficulty or who might benefit from supplemental intervention. They are also useful for assessing a student’s overall progress in reading skills.

The goal of these screening assessments is to provide a quick and efficient way to identify students who might need additional instruction.

They can be re-administered at intervals throughout the year to monitor progress in reading skills and identify students who might benefit from supplemental intervention.

These progress-monitoring assessments can be criterion-referenced or informal. They can be administered more than once a year, and some are given as frequently as weekly.

It is a good way to teach a student at his or her own pace

A Reading intervention program is a great way to teach a student at his or her own pace. This strategy is designed to help students overcome reading difficulties and gain confidence in their abilities.

The process requires patience and effort, but it can be extremely effective in helping a student improve their reading skills. This can be beneficial both at school and in the home.

In a Reading intervention program, the teacher will focus on a particular reading skill and work with the student to improve it. This can be done through small group activities or individual lessons.

It is also important to remember that everyone learns at different speeds. This means that it is vital to take the time to teach a student at their own pace, so they can get the most out of their experience.

One great way to engage students in Reading intervention is by providing them with their own choice of books. This increases motivation and will give them a better chance of succeeding.

The Importance of Early Childhood Education

children education

Early childhood education is critical to a child’s future success. It gives children a head start on learning and helps them become better problem solvers, critical thinkers, and analytical learners later in life.

Early childhood education also fosters social and emotional development. This includes fostering communication skills, self-esteem, and respect for others.

Early Childhood Education

Early childhood education is a critical time for a child’s development. It’s where they learn language and literacy, begin to explore colors, shapes, nature, art, sounds, and more.

Children’s minds are hardwired to learn from their environment, according to Dr. Hawani Negussie, an assistant professor in early childhood education at UMass Global.

When educators create an environment that supports this learning, young children are set up for success in their educational and personal lives. This major offers a variety of opportunities to nurture your passion for working with young children and ensuring their futures are bright. Whether you choose to teach in an early childhood classroom or elsewhere, this major will help you make the most of your career.

Preschool

Preschool is an age when children can learn, socialize and grow physically. It prepares them for school and provides them with a solid foundation.

High-quality preschools focus on the whole child and all areas of learning. They offer themes and projects that integrate language, math, science and art to give students a deeper understanding of a subject.

Writing, for example, is an important part of a preschool curriculum because it helps kids form their letters correctly and space them correctly. In addition, it teaches them about reading and word families (words that sound like one another).

Kindergarten

Kindergarten is a form of education for children between the ages of four and six years old, commonly offered at public schools. This program focuses on social skills and is the first step in learning to be an independent student, without the support of parents or other adults.

Kindergarten is also a crucial time in which children develop key language skills, which they will use for life. They learn to communicate their thoughts, feelings and ideas, and how to build relationships with peers through play.

Elementary School

Elementary school, also known as primary education, is children’s first formal education prior to secondary (middle or high school). This is the stage when students learn the basics of reading, writing, arithmetic, an introduction to the natural and social sciences, arts and crafts, health, and physical education.

An elementary teacher must be warm, friendly, and knowledgeable about children’s learning styles and behavior patterns. They must have a passion for helping children develop their skills in reading, writing, math, science, language arts, social studies, and other subjects.

Middle School

The transition to middle school can be a tough one for kids. There’s more social pressure and new academic expectations.

Students may also have more teachers. They may switch teachers for core subjects (like science and math) and special classes like art, physical education, and music.

Middle schools were developed in the United States to help students through the transition from elementary to secondary education. They are now a common practice throughout the world, though there is no universal system.

High School

In most countries, high school is the final stage of compulsory education, and prepares students for further study or employment.

Students can choose to attend university, pursue vocational training, or join the army. They can also work to save money for a degree course or to follow their dreams of traveling the world or starting a business.

To help your teen succeed in high school, be aware of the curriculum and homework expectations, and participate in family discussions about school policies. During open house or back-to-school nights, get to know your child’s teachers and ask questions about the curriculum.

What Does an Education Support Work?

education support

Education support professionals provide a vital link to the total student learning experience. They serve in a variety of roles, from instructional assistants to custodians and bus drivers to secretaries and cafeteria workers.

They are also essential for maintaining a safe and welcoming school environment, allowing students to learn at their own pace. With their help, students can achieve their full academic potential.

Job duties

The job duties of an education support worker involve assisting teaching staff to provide education in a classroom environment. These may be tasks such as collating and displaying student work, managing activities or maintaining an organised space.

The role often involves interaction with students who have emotional or behavioural difficulties that make them difficult for teachers to teach in a normal classroom situation. These students benefit from an education support worker who can understand and validate their struggles while providing a positive and supportive environment.

You can also provide personalised learning support by helping to tutor small groups or individuals on subjects such as reading, maths and interpreting instructions. Depending on the type of disability you work with, you might support children to get around between classes or assist them with their personal care and toileting needs.

Education requirements

You can expect an education support worker to work in many different settings from the humble classroom to a busy college or university. In this role you could be responsible for helping students with their physical or behavioural needs, translate their teachers’ instructions into British Sign Language (BSL) or assist them in navigating the lecture hall.

Despite their varied duties, most education support workers have the same basic qualifications. A bachelor’s degree in a science or technology related field is a must for the job. However, you may be able to get away with a certificate or diploma in this industry, particularly if you have relevant experience. Besides a solid educational background, you’ll also need to be a people person and have the ability to think on your feet. It’s no surprise that education support workers are one of the fastest growing occupations in the UK. To make the cut, you’ll need to be a hardworking, self-motivated individual with an attention to detail.

Training requirements

Education support workers attend lessons with students who require additional assistance to make it through. They might need a hand to translate their instructions in British Sign Language, or scribe their notes in a pinch. They also need to be alert and observant for students who are on the verge of a meltdown.

The training requirements for an education support worker vary by employer, but the typical job description includes a degree of supervision from the school principal or dean of students. They typically work full time during the school day with several weeks off during holidays.

The best education support workers are well-rounded and able to multitask in a variety of ways. For example, they can assist with classroom organization and resolving disputes among fellow teachers and students. The most important ingredient is an aptitude for working with children and adolescents in a sensitive, yet caring manner. The most successful of these professionals enjoy a high level of personal satisfaction in helping students to succeed both academically and personally.

Work environment

Education support workers guide students and teachers to develop effective learning plans. They work in a variety of schools, colleges and universities.

This role involves working to support students with special needs such as learning difficulties, physical or sensory impairments or autistic spectrum disorders. It may include providing personal care or toileting assistance, helping with communication and translating instructions, as well as assisting with access to the education system.

The work environment for an education support worker is largely determined by the school. The research identified the factors that constitute a conducive and toxic work environment and also outlined how they vary by gender, teaching level and years of experience.

What Schools Are All About

schools

Schools are the places where people go to get an education. They can be public or private.

Picking the right school is one of the most important decisions a parent will make. Choose wisely, and your child could end up with a lifetime of learning and a great college education.

The Purpose

Schools are places where kids learn about various subjects and get a chance to explore their interests. This can help them decide what they want to do with their lives and how they can pursue it.

Schools also encourage students to develop leadership qualities and make their mark as role models. This is a great way to build a sense of belonging within the school community, which can help improve educational outcomes.

Education is important because it gives people the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in life. This includes the ability to think and problem solve, as well as social skills and self-discipline.

The Environment

The environment that schools are in sets the stage for students’ health and well-being and, ultimately, academic performance. School environments include the facilities and classrooms that students use, available school-based health supports, and disciplinary policies and practices.

While schools are governed by various laws and regulations, the true force behind the creation of a safe, healthy, and supportive environment for learning comes from the local community’s desire to provide a high-quality education in an accessible, affordable, and safe environment for their children. Research has consistently found that the quality of a school’s physical and social environment has a significant impact on student attendance, health, and academic outcomes.

The Teachers

Teachers have an essential role in shaping the future of children. They are role models who motivate, inspire and educate students, showing them a bright path in life and giving them the opportunity to achieve their dreams.

Many teachers want to teach because they enjoy sharing knowledge and interacting with people. They love seeing their students grow and become successful.

Today, more than ever before, teachers are rethinking their roles as educators to better support the needs of students. They are changing the form and content of their curriculums, setting standards, and ensuring that their schools meet them.

They are also rethinking their relationship with students and the community. They are forming new partnerships and mentoring new teachers to ensure they are prepared for the challenges of this profession.

The Students

A student’s time at school is a crucial phase of their lives. During this period, they develop values of hard work, discipline, punctuality, teamwork, unity, and more.

They are also entrusted with rights and responsibilities to help the society they live in. These rights include speech rights, immigrant rights, and disability rights, among others.

Students are also expected to be in their best behavior, exhibiting values of politeness and kindness, compassion, and respect. This helps to build a conducive learning environment, reduces disruptions and disciplinary actions, and enhances their academic performances.

While schools need to be flexible to meet the needs of all children, they have a particularly high burden to carry when it comes to low-income and minority students. These students often have less material and social capital that affords them access to quality education, and tracking systems in many urban school districts exacerbate these inequalities.

Building Social and Emotional Skills in Kindergarten

kindergarten

Kindergarten is the time when kids start learning the basics of math and reading. It’s also a critical time to build social and emotional skills.

A child’s social and emotional development is as important as their academics, so kindergarten programs focus on helping children develop good habits. Learn more about what kids will learn in kindergarten and what they should know by the end of the year.

Language

Kindergarten is a pivotal year for oral language development, and teachers should provide students with opportunities to communicate clearly. They should also support students’ efforts to retell stories, share personal experiences and answer questions.

Oral language is comprised of three components: phonology, vocabulary and syntactic knowledge. These skills build a child’s ability to identify sounds that make up words and use those sounds to create rhyming words.

Developing these skills helps children learn how to read and is important for future reading success. Research shows that students who have well developed oral language abilities have an easier time comprehending what they read or hear.

Children should be given many opportunities to talk throughout their school day, particularly in small groups. During these conversations, they should be encouraged to take turns, look attentively and interact with other children.

Math

Children learn math skills in a natural way, through play, observing the environment, and exploring materials. Providing intentional planned experiences that incorporate math into everyday activities is an important part of supporting young children’s mathematical development.

Kindergarten students begin learning addition and subtraction skills with small numbers. This helps them to build the confidence they need for future multiplication and division.

They will also practice counting objects and learning to identify whether they have more, less, or the same number of things. They will also begin learning how to compare sets, and develop a conservation of number – understanding that moving objects in a group does not change the quantity of them.

These basic math concepts will help kids become more confident and problem-solvers in the classroom and later in life! They are also important for building their self-esteem.

Social skills

Social skills help children develop and maintain friendships with others. They also contribute to a child’s understanding of their own feelings and how they fit into the world around them.

A child’s social competence includes skills such as sharing, collaborating, cooperation, empathy and understanding figurative language, among others. These skills are essential for a child to be able to socialise successfully and have the best possible experience in school and at home.

Kids who are good at social skills in kindergarten tend to be happier, less stressed and more cooperative. They’re also more likely to be successful at school and college, and have a full-time job by the age of 25.

It’s important to remember that kids will make mistakes when learning these social skills – it’s normal. So don’t pressure your child to perform perfectly every time, but do give them feedback on their efforts. This will help them feel reassured that they can still learn new things and improve their social skills over time.

Personal development

One of the most important things a kindergartener can learn is how to take care of themselves. They need to know how to handle failure, cope with stress, and feel good about themselves so they can grow into happy, healthy adults.

Using a variety of techniques, educators can help students navigate their way to success. These techniques include problem solving, resilience training, and self-confidence boosting strategies.

The most effective methods involve a supportive environment. This can be achieved by providing kids with the right tools and resources to succeed, including guidance on what to do when they make a mistake and encouraging them to try new things.

It’s also important to teach children the most efficient ways to achieve their goals, including time management and responsibility-building skills. These practices will help them to get the most out of their day, and to set themselves up for success in their future careers. It’s also a great idea to teach them the most important lessons in a fun, positive and non-threatening manner.

Reading Intervention Strategies

Reading intervention

There are many different reading intervention strategies that can be used in the classroom to help students develop their reading skills. These can include structured reading programs outside of school, private tutoring, and making changes to the way you teach.

Whether it’s in an elementary classroom or a high school, these strategies can be effective. Using them can help you see better results in your pupils and make your teaching more enjoyable.

Instructional Reading Intervention (IRI)

An instructional reading intervention (IRI) is a process of systematic teaching that challenges students at their reading level. This may be through a group or individual approach to instruction.

The IRI involves a variety of assessment options, including a group screening test, graded passages and independent word lists. It can be used to determine students’ independent, instructional and frustration reading levels and to inform the design of individualized reading remediation plans.

The IRI is an early reading screener and diagnostic assessment required for all public school students in the fall and spring with optional winter administration. Student literacy plans are based on the results of the IRI and progress monitoring is available to all students.

Read-alouds

Read-alouds have been shown to enhance language development and reading comprehension (Barrentine, 1996; Sipe, 2000). They also help students develop a love of reading.

However, a synthesis of the literature suggests that children’s literacy outcomes may be influenced by other factors beyond the provided intervention. Studies in this synthesis examining different read aloud interventions, including dialogic reading, repeated reading of stories, limited questioning before, during and/or after reading, computer assisted story reading and story reading with extended vocabulary activities have demonstrated moderate to large mean effect sizes on child outcomes.

Dialogic reading had the highest causal evidence of improved outcomes on children’s phonological awareness, print concepts, reading comprehension, and vocabulary. However, it is unclear whether these benefits are sustained over time.

Guided reading

Guided reading is a highly effective strategy for developing students’ reading proficiency and skills. It targets specific learning needs, has appropriate scaffolding and gradually reduces support from the teacher.

In order to effectively teach guided reading, you need to have a deep understanding of your students’ strengths and needs. In addition, you need to understand the process of reading and how it progresses.

To start, you need to strategically plan your guided reading groups based on common skills gaps and the zone of proximal development (ZPD). You also need to select grade-level text.

Reading groups

Guided reading is a popular instructional method that involves assembling small groups of students who are at similar reading levels. These groups are usually no more than six students.

Groups of this size enable the teacher to work directly with each student and provide a safe, supportive environment for children to grow their reading skills. This type of instruction is also commonly called the Fountas and Pinnell approach to early literacy.

Researchers who focus on K-3 have found that carefully-designed reading groups can improve focus and reinforce explicit phonics instruction, among other reading pillars.

Although guided reading groups are a popular option, they may not be the best choice for every class. For example, students of color and low-income students often struggle to meet the highest reading levels in their classes, which can impede their academic achievement.

Independent reading

Independent reading is when students read their own books without the assistance of a teacher. They can choose from a variety of materials, including fiction and nonfiction books.

Independent readers often enjoy reading more and are more likely to be engaged in the process. They are also more likely to become lifelong readers and have better reading comprehension skills.

Independent reading can help build a child’s confidence in their reading abilities and overcome language barriers. However, it is important to remember that everyone learns at different speeds. Therefore, reading intervention programs must be tailored to the needs of each student.

Essential Elements of Children’s Education

children education

Children learn by observing, listening, exploring and experimenting. They also need encouragement and support from their parents.

A quality education is critical to kids’ long-term development. It improves their chances of becoming productive members of society and achieving their full potential.

Cooperation and Collaboration

Cooperation and collaboration are essential elements of children’s education. Teachers and other professionals collaborate to meet the needs of individual students and to provide educational opportunities that are accessible and beneficial.

For example, teachers collaboratively work with families to promote the rights of all students, including children with disabilities. They also collaborate to ensure that families are informed about their child’s educational needs, goals, programs, and progress over time.

Moreover, teachers use respectful and effective communication skills as they collaborate with others. This includes considering the background, socioeconomic status, culture, and language of families and professionals.

This study contributes to the existing research literature about cooperative learning mainly because it focused on a) pupils’ group work behaviour rather than cognitive achievement and b) the young age group of Grade 1 pupils (6-7 years). However, further research is needed to understand how group work behaviour develops over time.

Interpersonal Skills

Interpersonal skills are the key to a child’s future success. These skills include how a child interacts with others and their ability to communicate with people at work and in life.

Children develop interpersonal skills through social interactions and play with their siblings and friends. These relationships help them develop listening and empathy skills, as well as interpret non-verbal communication cues such as body language and facial expressions.

As a child grows, they learn how to problem solve and negotiate conflict with their peers. These skills are valuable to them throughout their lives and help them deal with disagreements and issues in a positive manner.

Cultural Awareness

Cultural awareness in children is an important aspect of their education. It helps them develop positive self-esteem and a sense of belonging in a world of diversity.

It also helps them learn how to communicate and interact with people of different cultures.

Research shows that young children’s experiences, their parents, the media and caregivers influence their perceptions of others.

As a teacher, you can take cultural awareness into your practice by forming authentic relationships with children and their families; selecting activities and materials that honor children’s culture and life experiences; and teaching children the skills they need to succeed in a multicultural society.

Educators who are culturally competent demonstrate a positive approach to addressing diversity. They promote a strengths-based perspective that emphasizes the positive characteristics of children and people, rather than the negative ones.

Communication Skills

Communication skills are a vital part of child development and education. They enable children to communicate effectively, thereby ensuring they get their needs met by those around them.

Children start communicating from a very young age, and they establish their language through observing and copying their parents and peers. As educators, our role is to continue this journey towards forming confident and intelligent communicators.

Teaching communication skills involves setting appropriate parameters within the classroom, both for students and adults alike. Chronic interrupting and volume control are common disruptions to learning everywhere, so establishing classroom boundaries helps kids or students know when to interject with their opinions, without disrupting those of the teacher or others in the room.

In addition to teaching communication skills, teachers also need to provide opportunities for kids or students to develop their own questioning skills. Asking questions is a powerful tool in every lesson and is an essential element of learning.

The Importance of Education Support Professionals

education support

Education Support Professionals are critical members of the K-12 and Higher-ed public education workforce. Whether you’re a parent, student, or a member of a school community, education support professionals help make schools better places to learn.

NJEA has been a leading advocate for the careers and interests of education support professionals from the local to national level. We safeguard and advance their professional interests, training, job security, pension and health benefits.

Volunteering

Volunteering is time and effort that you devote to a cause or group of people without any financial gain. It can be organized through not-for-profits, community organizations or family members.

Students can also gain valuable skills in the areas of leadership, communication, teamwork and problem-solving. This helps them build their resume and may increase their chances of a job or scholarship down the road.

It can also improve their social skills by allowing them to work with others from different backgrounds and experiences. This can be helpful for overcoming shyness and other issues that come with being part of a new group.

Volunteering can help people feel a sense of purpose in their lives, which is a huge factor in happiness. It can also give them a chance to get involved in issues that they care about, such as helping animals or promoting sustainability. It can also allow them to explore their interests and hobbies.

Helping Your Child Develop Good Study Habits

Developing good study habits is important for all kids, whether they’re still in grade school or heading off to college. Having strong study skills can help your child achieve academic success and build their self-confidence.

One way to help your child develop good study habits is by providing them with a positive study environment. This means removing distractions from their studying space so they can focus and have a clear mind.

It’s also helpful for them to find their own working style. Some children like to study in short bursts, while others prefer to take more time and work on multiple projects at a time.

Another effective way to improve your child’s study habits is by modeling them. Make sure they see you working hard on your own tasks. If your child is studying at a table, sit next to them and work on something yourself. They’ll be less likely to feel lonely and distracted if they see you working hard too.

Supporting Your Child’s Unique Educational Needs

As a parent, you have a huge role to play in helping your child achieve academic success. You know your child best, and you have a unique set of insights that can help school staff develop an Individual Education Plan (IEP) that will be the most beneficial to your child’s learning.

Be an active participant in IEP meetings and the development of your child’s plan, and use your knowledge to inform the team about your child’s strengths and needs. This will ensure the IEP is crafted with your child’s long-term goals in mind.

Keep up to date on special education news, such as proposed changes to legislation or the impact of medical breakthroughs. This can help you prepare your child’s IEP, or even advocate for changes that directly affect your child.

As a parent, you have a large role to play in helping your child achieve academic and social success. You know your child best, and your insights can help school staff develop an IEP that will be the most beneficial to your child’s growth and development.

Supporting Your School

The school environment plays a critical role in preparing students for college and life. It helps shape their sense of self-worth and competency, beliefs about who they are, and how they view the world.

Schools need a flexible system of supports to help students overcome barriers to learning, especially those that come from poverty, homelessness, food insecurity, and other adversities. A strong relationship between schools and families can help prevent these issues from affecting student learning.

Attending parent organization meetings is a great way to get involved and learn what’s happening at your school. You can also volunteer to be a room parent or help out at your child’s performances.

Most schools hold regular parent-teacher conferences to discuss how you can help your child do their best in class. These meetings give you a chance to meet with your child’s teachers and start conversations that will continue at home. You can also ask for information about individualized education plans (IEPs) or 504 plans if your child has special needs.

Different Kinds of Schools

schools

A school is a place where children go to learn. There are different kinds of schools, depending on where you live and what your child is interested in learning.

In the Netherlands, there are several schools that students can go to if they want to learn. They may have a special need, or just like to learn something new.

Socialization

Schools are among the most important agents of socialization in children’s lives. They play a crucial role in molding children for their social roles and the society they belong to (Harro 1999).

As a social environment, schools must contain intentional spaces that promote pedagogical practices. These spaces must be welcoming and provide opportunities for learning, sharing, and helping others.

The school setting can also be used as a place to reinforce positive social values by encouraging students to meet the sanctioned goals set out in the school’s rules and by rewarding them for meeting them consistently.

Teachers also have an important role in socialization. They influence students’ views and beliefs through their lessons and behaviours.

Learning

Schools offer students a variety of learning experiences. Some learn best when they see or hear things, while others need hands-on learning to fully understand a topic.

Using technology to keep lessons engaging, teachers can personalize learning plans for each student and use data to track their progress in specific areas. This allows them to help students at their own pace and ensure they are retaining the most important concepts.

Research in educational psychology and cognitive science suggests that memory, knowledge acquisition, attention, and learning strategies are critical to school learning. It also shows that incorporating activities like problem-based learning and project-based learning into the curriculum helps students stay engaged in their schoolwork.

The goal is to create a learning environment that engages students in meaningful tasks, gives them feedback, and lets them apply what they are learning in the real world. This is the essence of learning and should be at the heart of every school.

Higher Education

Higher education, also called post-secondary or tertiary education, is the final stage of formal learning after secondary school. It is usually a four- or six-year program of study leading to the award of an academic degree.

It is a critical element of national strategies for development and can boost the economy in many ways. It provides an opportunity for students to pursue a specific area of interest and boost their career prospects.

Accessible tertiary education is a human right that is essential for lifelong learning and human development. It is recognized under the Sustainable Development Goals and International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.

The challenge is how to equitably allocate resources, ranging from tuition fees and student loan payments to faculty salaries and institutional research funding. The project helps policy makers respond to these challenges through country reviews, a higher education policy survey and international peer-learning workshops.

Community

A century-old approach to creating schools that support students, families and communities, community schools integrate academics, health and social services, youth development and community engagement. The strategy is a powerful way to improve student outcomes and create equitable opportunities for all.

Research finds that community schools are effective at reducing chronic absenteeism and improving reading and math scores. They also have better school climates and higher teacher morale.

To create a successful community school, school leaders must establish a systems-level commitment to this strategy and provide leadership to support it financially. This requires that districts set up systems to collect data to track short-term outputs aligned to the initiative’s theory of change or strategic plan and partner with outside evaluators to gauge progress toward more long-term intended outcomes.

In order to ensure sustainable success, school staff work with families and community partners to rethink-and at times rebuild-relationships based on a strong foundation of trust and respect. This can involve reworking policies and programs to better meet local needs, priorities and resources, while also rethinking the way they are managed and executed.

Kindergarten – The Beginning of Your Child’s Academic Career

kindergarten

Kindergarten is the beginning of your child’s academic career. Whether your child attends a public or private school, this is a big year!

Your child will develop a wide range of skills, including social and emotional development, cognitive development, language and literacy, and physical development. Your child’s kindergarten teacher will help him reach his goals.

1. Social and Emotional Development

In their early years, children develop social and emotional skills that help them experience, regulate and express a wide range of emotions. These skills are important to a child’s sense of well-being and to their ability to form positive relationships with adults and peers.

These social skills also build a foundation for children to succeed in the classroom. They include being able to manage strong feelings, focus attention, and persist at challenging tasks.

As a parent, it is your responsibility to help children develop these important skills, especially in kindergarten. The quality of your child’s interactions with you and others, as well as the opportunities you provide, will have a direct impact on their social and emotional development.

To see how these skills develop, observe preschoolers in your program and take note of their behaviors. Identifying children who need additional support can be very helpful in building social-emotional skills in the children you work with.

2. Cognitive Development

As children progress into kindergarten, they start to acquire more advanced cognitive skills. These include attention, memory, language abilities and learning.

During this time, they are also beginning to use their imaginations to learn new things and explore new worlds. Using their imaginations helps them make sense of their surroundings and helps them understand concepts like space, money and telling time.

In addition, they begin to develop metacognitive skills, which means they have the ability to think about and understand their own thoughts. In this way, they can make decisions about their own actions, which in turn helps them develop their own learning strategies and abilities.

The development of these mental processes has been the focus of a great deal of research in recent years. Two of the primary traditions in this research have been structuralist and functionalist.

3. Creative Play

Creative play is a great way to help your child build their communication skills. You may notice that when your child is immersed in a creative activity they will often chat to themselves about what they are doing and come up with new ideas and solutions.

The opportunity to use a variety of materials, like crayons, paints, clay, paper and scissors, is important for children’s creative development. They should be allowed frequent opportunities – and lots of time – to explore these materials and their imaginations.

Creativity is an essential skill that your child needs in order to thrive both socially and emotionally. It also helps them develop essential intellectual and physical skills.

4. Physical Development

Children develop a range of physical skills during their early years, which include fine motor (small muscle) and gross motor (large muscle) development. They also develop their senses of sight, touch, smell, and sound as they explore their environment and interact with adults in a variety of ways.

Babies use these senses and the movements of their arms and legs to support their heads, sit up, and crawl. They also control their large muscles to walk, run, jump, and skip.

A child can develop physical skills with the help of parents, teachers and caretakers. However, caregivers must stimulate and encourage infants and toddlers to master these skills.

Caregivers and teachers must plan activities that are vigorous and age-appropriate for infants and toddlers to foster physical development. They should provide opportunities for gross motor skills, such as walking and running, and fine motor skills, including hand-eye coordination and the use of utensils and self-care.

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