The very best thing a parent can do to prepare their child to read is to read to them," says Linda Duerr, director of the Child Development Laboratory in Penn State's College of Health and Human Development.
Parents should let their children see them reading and expose them to print in books, and magazines," says Duerr.
"Academics can be taught through playful everyday experiences. They do not have to be drilled and practiced and dittoed to death," says Duerr.
"For example, we count when we set the table, or go up and down stairs. We live in a very print-rich environment and opportunities to expose children to words are everywhere-labels, signs, cereal boxes, and recipes. While pre-academic skills are important, it is far more important that a child be comfortable emotionally for kindergarten. The rest will come."
There must be more consideration to the social and emotional development of a child, says Duerr. The Child Development Laboratory is part of the Department of Human Development Studies in the College of Health and Human Development at Penn State. The College focuses on human health, development, and well-being--and related services--from infancy to late life.
"Is your son or daughter ready to participate in group settings, take turns, listen as well as speak? How does he or she deal with conflict? How often has he or she been apart from you? Can your son or daughter take care of own his or her own physical needs like using the bathroom, tying shoes, putting on coats?"
While children who arrive in kindergarten from child-care situations already have group experience, children who are coming into kindergarten from home may encounter their first large group of peers.
"Kindergarten teachers tell us that they know the children are coming from a variety of backgrounds and experiences. The teachers are prepared. The best preparation for a child entering kindergarten is a secure home environment, good self esteem and parents who support the school their child attends," says Duerr.
Duerr notes that parents are often overly concerned about whether or not their children can count, read, or know their alphabet, but she has yet to meet a child who was not born ready to learn.
"Regardless of their physical or cognitive abilities, children are ready to learn more," says Duerr. She adds that children learn primarily through play and exploration of their environment while engaged in relationships with peers and responsive adults.
You can reach Duerr at 814-863-0267. Her e-mail address is
Steve Infanti, External Relations Coordinator, is at 814-863-4325.