Encourage your child to dress him/herself. Practice opening his/her own snack, backpack, etc.
* Set aside a special time to read to your child each day. Ask your child to retell the story in his or her own words.
* Set up play dates with children of the same age as your child. Try to play at the school playground.
* Help your child learn to use words when angry or upset. Give examples of ways to express feelings.
* Ask your child to pick up toys at the end of play. Thank your child for helping.
* Have your child make choices. Making choices builds independence and confidence.
* Play games that involve taking turns and encourage fair play and good sportsmanship.
* Give your child one and two-step directions to follow and praise them when they follow them correctly.
* Help your child practice writing his or her first name. Start with a capital letter, and then use lowercase for the rest.
* Adjust your child’s sleeping and eating times to the school-year schedule.
* As the first day nears, stay positive about school- and proud of your child!
