Your Child at 5
This is a big year for your child! They are going to start kindergarten, gain a new sense of independence, developmental achievements and social relationships. Check with your doctor and school to ensure you have the required immunizations. Visit Born Learning for more information about preparing for the kindergarten experience, your child's growth and development, and solutions for handling defiance.
At 5 yrs old your child should be able to:
If you have concerns about your child's development, contact special education at www.projectfindmichigan.org or 1-800-252-0052.
Ready for Kindergarten?
Kindergarten is an exciting milestone for you and your child. It can also be an anxious time. Parents often ask, "Is my child ready for kindergarten? Does she have the skills she needs to be successful?". Children often wonder, Who will help me? Will I miss home? Michigan Department of Education provides a complete series of articles that will help you to prepare for the first day of kindergarten, including lists of activities, what skills are expected, books about starting school, and how you can help your child through the transition of the first weeks.
Helping your Preschool Child Become a Reader
Learning to read and write begins at birth. Children learn to read and write because they are natural communicators. They want to share needs, feelings, and ideas with family members, teachers, and friends.
Read Ten Tips for Reading with Young Children.
Local libraries offer many free story times and activities for preschoolers.
Books Preschoolers Like
- Books that tell stories
- Books about kids that look like them and live like them—but also books about different places and different ways of living
- Books about going to school, books about making friends
- Books with simple text they can memorize
- Counting books, alphabet books, vocabulary books
Eat Right, Eat Healthy
Eating healthy foods enable children to perform better in school.
Now that your child is entering kindergarten, he will be eating one meal a day away from home.
To ensure that your child makes healthy choices, visit USDA My Pyramid for information about the food groups and interactive games that allow your child to learn about healthy eating habits.
Prevent Accidents and Injury
As your child grows, she will be spending greater parts of the day away from you. It is more important now that your child understand basic safety issues such as wearing a helmet when biking, crossing the street safely, avoiding dangerous substances and not talking to strangers.
Safety Tips and ideas:
