Ready for Preschool

With high demands being placed on kindergarten children to learn skills such as reading, writing, problem solving, and test taking ("The New First Grade," "Newsweek", Sept. 11, 2006), the academic expectations for preschool children naturally are increasing, as well. Ready for Preschool gives parents the support and strategies they need to implement activities to help stimulate learning and increase their child's knowledge before entering preschool. The author, a nationally recognized early childhood researcher and preschool director, also provides tips for preparing children emotionally and socially for school pressures and demands. Topics covered include school readiness, the relationship of the child to the school environment, behavior and emotional growth of preschool children, partnerships between home and school, and tips for parents for making the transition from home to school. The author also provides a unique section on what parents can do to provide a home environment that fosters learning in young children, including activities for increasing a child's learning through everyday tasks parents perform such as grocery shopping, cleaning a child's room, and cooking dinner. Further, the book includes a detailed discussion of the varying types of preschools available, along with helpful checklists, tips, and resources to aid any parent in preparing his or her child for entering preschool.