THE PHASE WHEN UNFILTERED WORDS MAKE YOU LAUGH, SCHOOL DROP-OFF MAKES YOU CRY, AND LIFE BECOMES A STAGE WHERE YOU KID SHOUTS, "LOOK AT ME!"
GET READY FOR MEMORABLE STATEMENTS
By this age, a child can speak in sentences... and long, wandering monologues. But you will be amazed and entertained by all the profound and uncensored things they say, like, "How did you get the wrinkles out of your hair?" and, "You're talking so much I can't hear you."
ADJUST FOR A CULTURAL SHIFT-SCHOOL
This means less time for play, more early-morning alarm clocks, and a higher demand for focused attention. While kids at this age thrive on routine and predictability, they also crave opportunities to have a little unstructured play, a chance to skip and run, to throw and catch, and to use their imagination.
GIVE SOME UNDIVIDED ATTENTION
Where previously a kid might have been one adorable toddler drawing the attention of multiple adults, they are now in a classroom with multiple kids-some even as cute and as smart as they are. At school, at church, or on the soccer field, one thing is true: They want your undivided attention. So give it as often as possible.
School is a crisis. Your now-preprimary kid is adjusting to big changes, whether it's school drop-off or lunch lines or new routines. but the stress of change can also be a platform for discovery and growth. The way you answer their questions, listen to their stories, and show up consistently will help them improve their abilities.
THINKS LIKE A SCIENTIST
You help them learn when you... GIVE THEM CONCRETE EXAMPLES
WANTS TO KNOW "DO I HAVE YOUR ATTENTION?"
You capture their heart when you ... IMPROVE THEIR ABILITIES.
IS MOTIVATED BY FUN
You coach their moral abilities when you ... PLAY ON THEIR LEVEL.
THIS YEAR YOU WILL 'PROVOKE DISCOVERY' SO YOUR CHILD WILL TRUST GOD'S CHARACTER AND EXPERIENCE GOD'S FAMILY
Your Pre-Primary kid is quickly learning the habits and routines that make your family work. Make church a priority, but don't let it be the only time you talk about faith. Talk about God as you go about your day.
SAY THINGS LIKE :
"ARE YOU SCARED? LET'S TALK TO GOD ABOUT IT"
"ISN'T THAT WONDERFUL? LET'S THANK GOD FOR IT"
"WHAT DID JESUS DO WHEN HE WENT TO ZACCHAEUS' HOUSE?"
(Talk about what your pre-primary kid learn at church)"LET'S MAKE DINNER FOR MRS. PAULA. SHE DOESN'T FEEL WELL"
Involve them in serving friends and neighbours"YOU CAN TRUST GOD NO MATTER WHAT."
"YOU NEED TO MAKE THE WISE CHOICE"
"YOU SHOULD TREAT OTHERS THE WAY YOU WANT TO BE TREATED."
YOUR PRE-PRIMARY SCHOOL KID IS CHANGING
PHYSICALLY
- Loses incisor teeth (6-8 years)
- Grows 5-8cm and gains an average of 3kgs.
- Able to ride a bicycle, roller skate, and jump rope.
- Draws a person with a body.
- Needs 10-12 hours of sleep each night.
MENTALLY
- Can focus on one activity for 5-15 minutes.
- Recognises and names numbers, shapes and colours.
- Knows the difference between need vs want, and real vs pretend
- Doesn't logically interpret cause and effect.
SOCIALLY
- Wants to please and help adults
- Has a hard time asking for help.
- Needs guidance taking turns and losing well.
- May show some (not much) gender preference for playmates
EMOTIONALLY
- Tends to be optimistic
- Can be fanatical about the truth
- Benefits from relaxation techniques (take a deep breath).
- Expresses feelings better through play and art rather than words.
- Deals with fear and anziety by distracting themselves
- Highly sensitive to harsh criticism, tone, and body language
