Page 146 - South Mississippi Living - April, 2020

FINAL SAY
HEATHER
BLENDEN, ED.S.
Hope Academy Principal
Is my child ready for kindergarten? This is the question on the minds of many parents as that time approaches. How can you ensure your child’s best opportunity for success? Early education is the key, and that begins at home. Parents are their child’s first teacher, and much learning occurs from birth to the toddler years; however, bridging that early learning to a formal preschool program can provide unique experiences that can best prepare your little one for kindergarten and beyond.
Effective early education programs include key components that address
core beliefs about early learning. These beliefs include: learning is social, learning comes from a combination of direct and indirect instruction, learning is best when a child feels safe, learning is different
for each child, and learning occurs in all developmental areas (cognitive, physical/ motor, language, social, emotional).
Preschool experiences vary, so parents should look for a setting that supports the cognitive, creative, social, and emotional development of the whole child in a safe and nurturing environment. For example, Hope Academy students experience small and whole group instruction, daily routines, engaging activities, free play, and centers. They learn about math, literacy, the environment, music, art, physical education, performing arts, Spanish, and German. Unique, high-quality preschool and Transition to Kindergarten programs like ours create a solid foundation for learning and, ultimately, college readiness. Our early education programs are taught on the same campus as K-8, so transitions are smoother, and relationships are stronger for students.
In addition to academic growth, your child’s preschool and transition to kindergarten programs should offer
photo by James Edward Bates
opportunities for his or her social and emotional development. At Hope Academy, we teach students to use the “7 Habits of Happy Children,” based on Dr. Stephen Covey’s timeless habits. Teachers use
direct instruction and modeling to help children be proactive, set goals and priorities, look for win-win solutions,
be empathetic, synergize for the
best ideas, and live a balanced
life. Hope Academy is building a community of learners who will
study, practice, and value these
habits today and years to come.
If you are planning to enroll your child in preschool, plan ahead. There are many
great programs available,
but not all of them will be the best fit for your child. Begin in early spring by touring preschools and assess potential programs based on their curricula, programming, interactions observed between students and between students and staff, and management strategies. Children have
a unique ability to know almost immediately if a place is right for them, so bring your child with you when you tour preschools, and ask them, “Is this a place that you would like to come to school?” Trust your intuition but consider your child’s reaction as well. Remember there is no better investment than your child’s education.
146 | April 2020 www.smliving.net | SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living