18 AUGUST 30, 2018 RIDGEWOOD TIMES WWW.QNS.COM
BACK TO SCHOOL
Kindergarten is the new 1st grade: Is
your preschooler ready?
When you think back to your
own kindergarten experience,
it probably involved
a half-day program and plenty of
fun activities - fi nger painting, sand
play and nap time. Likely the hardest
parts were learning the alphabet and
counting to 100.
Fast forward to today. While kindergarten
still off ers a fun learning environment,
it's certainly more focused
on academic achievement. Kindergartners
oft en know the alphabet and
have solid counting skills prior to the
fi rst day of school. If students aren't
reading at the beginning of the school
year, they're certainly expected to be
doing so by the end.
"Kindergarten is the new fi rst grade"
isn't just an anecdote, it's a fact. New
research from the University of
Virginia compares kindergarten and
fi rst-grade classrooms between 1998
and 2010, fi nding that kindergarten
classes have become increasingly like
fi rst grade, with more time spent on
academic instruction and, ultimately,
higher educational expectations.
While it's important to balance screen time, the righttechnology can help
preschoolers get ready for kindergarten.
Each year an estimated 4 million
children enter kindergarten. To help
pre-K kids improve core learning skills
and get them excited about school, it's
important to fi nd fun, age-appropriate
ways to help them learn. Consider
these expert ideas for preparing kids
ages 3-6 for kindergarten.
EDUCATIONAL APPS
Children today have a natural knack
for technology. While it's important to
monitor and balance screen time, the
right technology can help educate kids.
Preschool Academy by IntellectoKids
is an ideal example. With over 50 educational
activities in one app, kids will
learn the alphabet and develop important
skills like counting, sorting, logic
and critical thinking - the foundations
for math and reading. Best yet, the
learning is rooted in amusing animated
puzzles about musical instruments,
fun train adventures or whimsical
letter/number games.
This educational app allows parents
to customize for multiple children and
select between three levels, increasing
in diffi culty as they play and learn.
Like Preschool Academy, the best
learning games are constantly adding
fresh new learning activities and are
always free of ads or hidden in-app
purchases.
FINE MOTOR SKILLS
Fine motor skills, also known as
dexterity, involve the coordination
and control of muscles to create small
movements. This usually requires
hand-eye coordination as well. Being
prepared for kindergarten means
having a basic ability to complete fi ne
motor actions like holding a pencil
correctly, tying shoes and sorting
small objects.
One of the easiest ways to support
your child's fi ne motor development
is by providing lots of opportunities
to color and write. Make crayons and
paper readily available and let kids'
imaginations take off . As they try to
draw a bird, write a story or create
patterns, they are really preparing
themselves for the classroom.
Reading and conversation
Language is a heavy focus throughout
the kindergarten curriculum. One
way to prepare your child is to make
reading a daily activity, including classics
like "Chicka Chicka Boom Boom,"
"Harold & the Purple Crayon" or "Don't
Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus." Fostering
a love of books can set the stage for
learning important reading skills. Visit
your local library, stock your bookshelf
and download digital books.
Additionally, make time for genuine
conversation with your child. Both
reading and speaking help children
expand their knowledge of the English
language. They'll also learn important
social skills, and you'll also fi nd yourself
developing a deeper bond with
your little one.
Preschool
Want kids to be prepared for kindergarten?
Enroll in preschool a few days
a week. This experience gives children
the perfect foundation to prepare
them for their educational journey.
Preschools provide introductory education
in writing and math, but it's a
lot of fun, too. Students have plenty of
time to play and learn about the world
around them.
What's more, kids learn proper social
etiquette and how to follow classroom
rules. Being able to sit still, listen to the
teacher, raise a hand to ask a question
and interact respectably among peers
are all important skills that kids will
need in order to thrive in an academic
environment. If preschool isn't possible,
consider joining a playgroup or visiting
the library for story time, and encourage
social interaction with new kids at
the playground.
Knowing that kindergarten is more
challenging than ever, smart parents
are taking charge by introducing
age-appropriate educational activities
now. From smart apps like IntellectoKids
Preschool Academy to reading
every day, you're helping build the
brain power that leads to success in
kindergarten and beyond.
Courtesy BPT
MYRTLE AVENUE SAVINGS
EVERY DAY OF THE WEEK!
Shop the Myrtle Avenue Business Improvement District
(Myrtle Avenue & adjacent side streets from Wyckoff Avenue to Fresh Pond Road)
LABOR
DAY
FIND SOMETHING
FOR EVERYONE
AT OUR &
August 31st – September 3rd
The Ridgewood Youth Farm Market
Farm stand run by local toons featuring fresh, local produce, flowers & potted plants
Program or Grow NYC
At Ridgewood Memorial Triangle, Myrtle & Cypress Avenues
EVERY SATURDAY FROM JULY TO NOVEMBER, 8 AM TO 3 PM
Kid’s Items Free Swap
Saturday, Sept. 8th, 10 am - 1 pm
Bring: Children’s Clothing, Shoes,
Toys, Accessories,
Books & School Supplies only please!
Take Home Something New To You!
You don't need to bring something
to take something.
Z
Zero Waste program funded by NYC Sanitation
FALL STREET FESTIVAL
Sunday, September 23rd - 12 p.m. - 6 p.m.
(Myrtle Avenue from Wyckoff Avenue to Foreat Avenue)
Entertainment, Food, Games, Rides & More!
Ridgewood Seneca /
Catalpa Avenue Stroll
(NYC DOT Weekend Walks Program)
Saturday, Oct. 13th, 12-5 pm
Small Business
Saturday
At 71st Avenue Plaza
Saturday, Nov. 24th 12-3 pm
Visit the Ridgewood website: www.ridgewood-ny.com
For more information, call the Myrtle Avenue BID at 718-381-7974
/www.ridgewood-ny.com
