Kindergarten readiness for delayed kids

Apparently the Midwest has already started school but here in New Jersey we have a few weeks left. So, it's crunch time! How do I prep my child for kindergarten? Well if your child is typically developing this can already be a challenge. For families with children with speech and language delays this can feel REALLY daunting.

Have you spoken to the school about their Speech and Language delays?

The sooner you let the school district know you will need an evaluation, the sooner you get on the list and seen! School administrations are working all Summer long, so call, send the emails, show up at the door, and bring in any documents that may support the need for evaluation including private assessments, early intervention reports, doctors notes, hearing tests etc. Please please please don't feel shy, advocate for your child and tell the school what you need.

Practice sitting with a task for longer periods of time

KEY: Not on the tablet!

Find an activity for your child--- cutting out pictures from a magazine, coloring, drawing, reading, copying letters, stickers, a game and see if you can get them to sit with it for 15-30 minutes. Of course they can get up to get a drink, move, go to the bathroom etc, the goal here is sitting for longer tasks.

Playground social skills

Is your kid rough with others? Shy? Do they share? Play pretend? Are they an observer? Bring them to the playground and help them shape their social skills. Encourage them when they are shy by modeling the phrases they can use, " like will you play with me" or " my name is ____" . Make the introductions! If they play too rough help them to see how it affects others, teach them to recognize other children's reactions.

ABC and 123

Start working on letter- sound recognition NOW! This is more than singing the ABC's. The song A is for APPLE, A A Apple is a better version to teach them, but you need to sit with them and show them the letters when you sing, and ask them to find them too. Grab a piece of Paper and Write ABCDEF down both sides but mix up one side and have them draw lines to the matching letter. Do the same with numbers and practice counting to at least 20, but aim for 100. Also counting by 10's (10-20-30-40 ...)

Geez I mean if they are anything like my son, practice writing potty words if they think its funny! Pee, Poo, Toilet, who cares? It's reading and writing practice right!

Following directions and Asking Questions

This is a challenge for so many kids. Practice functional school actions and questions

• put on socks and shoes

• put everything away in your lunch box

• open your lunch box

• grab your jacket and your back pack

• line up by the door

• Can I go to the bathroom?

• Where is my backpack?

• I miss my mom, when do we go home?

• Can I have more please?

• When is recess?

• I need to get up, can I look out the window for a minute?

Products I recommend

Brain quest makes these great cards, they are really helpful for teaching basic concepts and Kinder skills. Remember to TEACH your child them, not just test them on it! If you are watching shows, try Number Blocks, Ada Twist Scientist, and anything on PBS kids. ABC mouse and PBS kids games are the only IPad/ Tablet recommendations.

Kindergarten readiness recommendations for speech and language delayed kids

Hope this helps you in the final weeks of Summer!

Violette