AboutCindy Caporaso Expertise I can answer questions in various areas of child development including ages and stages, how to foster growth in the development of young children, what to look for in early childhood centers and in early childhood providers. and ways to stimulate a child`s natural curiosity.
Experience I have been working in the field of Early Childhood Education for over 25 years. I hold a B.A. degree in Education and a Master of Education in Human Development. I alsop provide training to early childhood educators rlating to their work. Currently, I am teaching a Child Development Associate course at my school. I am also the kindergarten teacher. In the past, I have been the lead teacher for children from infancy through school-age.
Organizations NAEYC
Education/Credentials B.A. degree in Education 1980
M.Ed degree in Human Development/Counseling 1986
Question Cindy,
My wife and I have been working with our four year old daughter with writing letters, numbers and putting letters together. She doesn't seem to be holding her attention on task. We don't believe in medication so are there things we can do to help keep her attention on task?
Thanks,
Jason
Answer Hi Jason,
Please don't make it formal...that may be the problem. Make it natural...the formality of how you are doing it may just be turning her off. Here are some things you can do to help but but again, please relax with this and make it fun. In 6 months, things could change because that is such a long time in the life of a child!. Just don't feel you have to do this, she will learn and she will do fine! I would not even worry or think about medication and you do not indicate even that a diagnosis has been made.
Get alphabet cut-outs and make cookies with them. Point out letters. Let her draw letters in shaving cream as she plays in it..or sand..or soap. Point out letters on signs as you drive. Let her set the table and "do" things where you can point out sounds and letters.
Play word games, but just play until she is interested. Created sentences and stories in a journal using a particular letter. Let her dictate words to you as you write them in her letter journal. Use art as much as possible. I don't know where you live, but go outside and use chalk or water paint to paint on the sidewalk. These activities come before writing.
Cut out fun pictures from magazines and write the names of the pictures. You can get a separate notebook and make a dictionary--on that appeals to her because it has pictures that she chose.
For now, put away the pencil!
Write back and let me know how things are working out. --Cindy
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