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Learning Differences (LD)

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Learning Differences are often called by other names: Learning Disabilities or Dyslexia. Whatever name is used, children with LD have trouble learning with the traditional education methods.

The symptoms are often difficult to clearly diagnose until about 8 years of age, as many children ‘grow out of’ these during their first few years of school. Many of the LD symptoms are also symptoms of other conditions like AD(H)D or autism spectrum.

But if your child does not seem to be maturing at a similar rate to other children their age, please consider early intervention. The earlier these differences are recognized and appropriate therapy is started, the more likely there will be fewer long-lasting difficulties.

For a descriptive list of symptoms of LD see: Learning Differences: Signs and Symptoms

Preschool Signs of Learning Difficulties – an interview with Steven E. Curtis, author of  Understanding Your Child’s Puzzling Behavior (Greenleaf, 2008)

Warn the Unruly

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Last month I began a series from my husband’s web site called 21st Century Parenting. This part is Warn the Unruly.

The word unruly describes those who break the rules or ignore the rules. It refers to willful disobedience. An unruly person chooses to do wrong, though he knows what is right. Such behavior requires a clear, understandable, enforceable warning, and appropriate consequences if the child ignores the warning.

Parents set boundaries for their children. Though we know that our children could still get hurt living within the boundaries, we know there are hidden dangers, dangers they do not understand, outside the boundaries.

[Read more…]

Preparing for Kindergarten

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Prepping your kindergartner for the first day

By Marian Wilde

As the lazy days of summer slip away, it will soon be time to put away the beach chairs and corner lemonade stands and prepare your kindergartner for school. Here are some tips for making the transition easier.

Adjust to the new routine

Ease into the school-year schedule. Getting into a school routine can be a challenge for everyone in the family. To make adjusting to the new routine easier, start early.

  • A few weeks before school starts, move bedtime back to an earlier time.
  • Put a positive spin on going to school. Talk about the fun things your child will be learning, the friends he’ll make.
  • If your child is anxious about starting school, reassure her that other children have these feelings too.
  • Don’t make plans for big trips right before the start of school.
  • Establish school-day schedules for homework, TV, baths, and bedtime.
  • Arrange play-dates with children that are going to the same school to make connections or to create new ones.

Books help ease the transition

Reading books together about the first days of school is a good way to start conversations about the excitement and fears. To get you started, here are some suggestions for your kindergartner:

  • Berenstain, Stan and Jan. The Berenstain Bears Go to School. Random House, 1978
  • Bridwell, Norman. Clifford’s First School Day. Scholastic, 1999
  • Carlson, Nancy. Look Out Kindergarten, Here I Come. Harcourt Children’s Books, 1999
  • Davis, Katie. Kindergarten Rocks! Harcourt Children’s Books, 2005
  • Penn, Audrey. The Kissing Hand. Child & Family Press, 1993
  • Rey, H.A. and Margret. Curious George’s First Day of School. Houghton Mifflin, 2005

For more ideas: GreatSchools.org

New Kid by Friday – part 6

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Over the last few months I’ve been sharing some insights from Dr. Kevin Leman’s book, Have a New Kid by Friday.

These are the last two strategies from Dr. Leman that we will cover in these letters. Strategy one, “Let reality be the teacher.” And the second strategy is, “B doesn’t happen until A is completed.”

He stresses that as much as possible allow natural consequences to teach lessons to your child. Don’t be constantly reminding them of the consequences, just let them feel them. Don’t micromanage your child’s experiences. [Read more…]