Developing reading skills Don't leave home without something for your child to read Bring along a book or magazine each time that you leave the house for an appointment. Encourage your child to re-read a favorite book This will encourage speed and accuracy Ask your child questions about the story you've just read Asking questions helps your child to process and understand what he or she has read Control the amount of television that your child watches Encourage reading as a free-time activity Pick books that are at the right level Help your child pick books that are not too difficult Play word games Play word games with your child such as crash or boggle JR. Take turns reading to each other This makes a special time between child and parent Be gentle when correcting your child’s reading Encourage your child to read the word slowly and not guess Keep talking Talk with your child about his/her day. It is easier sometimes to present your child with a question when they are unable to remember what they did Practice writing Ask your child to write a simple list for you or a thank you note
Developing self-help skills • Use toilet including flushing and wiping and fixing own clothing (if your child cannot fix a particular pair of pants don't send them to school wearing them) • Cover mouth when coughing or sneezing into your arm • Open snack containers independently (they are allowed to use child size scissors when needed) • Clean up own spills and messes with paper towel • Put own garbage into trash container • Take coat on and off by themselves, boots and shoes as winter gets closer • Put away items after use • Keep track of belongings • Getting into safety seat or belt by themselves (getting out of car on their own during drop-off at the loop)
Some ideas of how to increase fine motor skills: 1. Mold and roll Play-Doh® into balls—using the palms of the hands facing each other and with fingers curled slightly towards the palm. 2. Roll Play-Doh® into tiny balls (peas) using only the fingertips. 3. Use pegs or toothpicks to make designs in Play-Doh®. 4. Cut Play-Doh® with a plastic knife or with a pizza or tracing wheel by holding the implement in a diagonal grasp. 5. Tear newspaper into strips and then crumple them into balls 6. Pick up objects using large tweezers such as those found in the Bed Bugs® game. 7. Shake dice by cupping the hands together, forming an empty air space between the palms. 8.Use lacing and sewing activities such as stringing beads, Cheerios®, macaroni, etc. 9.Use eye droppers to "pick up" colored water for color mixing or to make artistic designs on paper.