‘Did You Know That’

Parents’ early interactions with their children lay the foundation for school success? Recent research has found that the everyday things that parents can do are some of the most important in helping their children get ready and succeed in school.

Two-way conversations lay the groundwork for reading, writing and problem solving skills. When parents have discussions with their children they teach how to use words to share ideas and solve problems.

When parents are warm, encouraging, and patient, children perform better on pre-reading and pre-math measures. In addition, when parents have high expectations for their children’s school success and believe that their children have the ability to succeed, children are more likely to succeed.

The home environment sets the stage for school readiness and success. Children are better prepared to read and write well when their home includes books, magazines, and other reading materials. Parents and children should spend time reading together and discussing the stories they read. When parents themselves read and tell stories, children are more likely to enjoy reading. Too much television can have a negative effect on children’s school success, but watching educational shows and discussing the topics with family members can support school success.

Parents can learn more about preparing children for school success at the Family Resource Centers in Owego and Waverly. An educational program of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tioga County, the centers offer monthly workshops on toddler and preschool development and discipline, child health topics, and family nutrition and physical activity. Parenting educators support parents in observing and playing with their children and provide information and resources in response to parent’s needs.

Parenting classes are available to meet a variety of family needs:

Parenting Skills Workshop Series is an eight week series that teaches positive communication skills.

Incredible Years is a fourteen week series that teaches age appropriate play, language development, social skills, managing routines, setting limits, and responding to misbehavior, all skills important to support children’s school success.

For more information about these and other parenting education programs offered by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tioga County call (607) 687-4020.