The Amazing Five Year Old

by Colleen Young
Hodder Moa -  RRP $19.99

A most timely and invaluable guide for parents of pre-school children that will help them prepare their youngsters for school.

During her many years as a new entrant teacher, Colleen Young has provided parents of pre-schoolers and new entrants with many practical ideas to help with the transition to school. She developed an ‘Introduction to School’ programme which gave parents an outline of the abilities and skills which five year olds should have when entering school. Now Colleen’s programme is available to all parents through her book The Amazing Five Year Old – Getting Ready for School.

Based on observations, practical experience and common sense this book shows that little things do matter and parents can make a difference. The book looks at children’s emotional , physical, intellectual and social needs during the first five years. This is not for a week or a month before they come to school; skill development through the first five years is so important. Skills need to be taught and practised with plenty of repetition which leads to success and satisfaction. Each step forward is a step towards entering school with a positive attitude.

This is a practical, easy to use, non-academic way to help children achieve the basic physical, academic and social skills they need to start school positively. Checklists at the end of each chapters help to ensure each skill set is achieved.

Some examples from The Amazing Five Year Old:


PHYSICAL SKILLS
Standing on one foot: 2-3 years
The first balance activity is to stand on one foot. At first, it could be for the count of one and to be standing as straight as possible. A demonstration by an adult is a good way to start. Get the child to lift the leg as if they were going to hop. The arms should be held out to the sides for helping with balance.

Fitness
At first, the level of concentration is short for physical activities, but this increases as the child becomes older. Children have lots of energy but not always a lot of stamina. Children who are not fit often find school exhausting and they tire very easily. If they avoid physical activity there may be a reason, and you may have to consult the proper professional or agency. Are you a good role model?

SOCIAL SKILLS
Other languages
Many children can learn two languages at the same time, and by three years old they know which language to use for which person or situation. Language is absorbed most easily at this early stage, so if you wish your child to learn a second language, use it in the home from an early age.

Responsibility
When setting family rules you should include some small jobs you would like your child to do. The jobs should be able to be done quickly and it may include ‘helping’ someone to do their job. It should also be appropriate for their age. At school most teachers have a helpers’ or monitors’ chart where children choose what job they would like to help with. They take their responsibilities very seriously and it encourages cooperation.

ACADEMIC SKILLS
Alphabet
The names of the letters, the sounds of the letters and an object that starts with that letter are important for the beginning of reading. Often children know the alphabet by rote or can sing the alphabet song, but they do not know the letters out of order. An alphabet frieze can be put up in their bedroom. Lots of repetition helps. When learning to write their name, say the letters of their name as they are writing. This is an excellent start for awareness that words are made up of letters.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Colleen Young is a retired teacher. She has taught five to twelve year olds for 35 years, with 22 years focussed on the first years of schooling. She was Deputy Principal at a large rural primary school for 17 years. Colleen holds an Advanced Diploma of Teaching. She is widowed with two adult married children and four grandchildren.

I heard Colleen interviewed at length last week by Kathryn Ryan on Radio New Zealand's Nine to Noon programme and I was so impressed with her relaxed and practical approach to preparing kids for school. I warmly recommend this valuable and inexpensive book to all parents facing this situation.