Time to Wake Up!
Preparation is key for making your
SiMPUFY ROUTINES.
Set a timer SO hell know
when to finish brushing
his teeth. Use a quHt,
rather than a sheet and
blanket, to simplify bed-
making. Put toiletries in
individual caddies. Keep
itenK in the same place
so kids can find them.
PROVIDE PERKS.
Motivate your child to get
going by offeiing special
activities if she finishes
everything she needs to
DANCE
do. such as listening to a
favorite story on a CD.
BUILD SKILLS.
Eiiharce hef math skills
when she counts out
spoons fof cereal and
with your child's cuts square toast into
rectangles and triangles
FAVORITE DVDs for breakfast.
SET AN EXAMPLE.
Display a positive wake-
up attitude to start the
day. Sing a happy "rise-
and-shine" song that
includes ttie activities she
can anticipate doing.
Susan A. Miller, Ed.D.,
a veteran teacher,
director, and author, is
professor emrita of
llWi.M.I;. early childhood education
DANCING at Kutztown University
in Pennsylvania.
RYAN (GRADE 4)
: What's one thing that always makes your mom
Available in stores or at laugh? ft: "When I get all my tirrtes tables
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preschooler's mornings a success
BY SUSAN A. MILLER, ED.D.
It's 6 a.m.! While you crave another hour of
shut-eye, your preschooler has other ideas.
(Or maybe you have to be at work by eight, so
the morning shuffle begins.) No matter your
schedule, with confidence and preparation,
you can make early wake-up calls less stress-
ful for you both.
A good morning starts with a good night.
Threes and fours enjoy pleasing the adults
in their lives, so enlist your child's help the
evening before in preparing for the next day.
Delegate age-appropriate responsibilities.
Ask him to pick a shirt to wear the next day,
for instance, or to choose from a "menu"
you'll serve for breakfast.
To Each His Own
When the alarm goes off, keep your child's
personality in mind. If your little one has a
"slow to warm" temperament, give her a
blanket to cuddle with and play soft music to
keep the morning calm. If her style is to hit
the deck running, strengthen hand-eye coor-
dination and thinking skills by asking her to
set the table or bring backpacks to the door.
Routines help preschoolers know what
to expect and to ease into the day without
constant supervision. You might set up your
child's routine with sequential activities on
a picture chart (eat breakfast, brush teeth,
dress, get backpack) so he can stay on task.
Reduce morning demands by keeping
important supplies within your child's reach.
Store cereal boxes and bowls on a low shelf
so she can get her own breakfast. Keep socks
and underwear in a bottom drawer. Finally,
hang backpacks on low pegs so she can learn
the responsibility of packing for school! L
that's
just
right" .v/7/v/
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