School Readiness ~ Social Readiness
vital skills for your child to practice with consistency
"As members of a social species, we don't derive strength from rugged individualism, but rather from our collective ability to plan, communicate, and work together. Our neuro, hormonal, and genetic make up, support interdependence over independence. To grow into adulthood for a social species including humans, is not to become autonomous and solitary, it's to become the one on whom others can depend. Whether we know it or not our brain and our biology have been shaped to favor this outcome"
John Cacioppo pioneer in social neuroscience
Dear Parents,
I hope this message finds you all well. I wanted to highlight some key aspects regarding your child’s social and emotional development, which play a pivotal role in their overall growth.
Much like honing any skill, these abilities become ingrained in our first instincts, evolving into second nature without the need for reminders. Fostering these skills from an early age is not just beneficial; it is essential for your child’s long-term success.
Kindergarten is no longer merely a starting point for social and emotional development. The expectation is that these skills are cultivated well before entering the kindergarten classroom. To assess your child’s readiness, observe their ease or struggle with the readiness answers provided below.
Imagine your child navigating a classroom with numerous peers, each possessing similar or lesser skills. Can they effectively manage their abilities for six hours a day in such a setting? This is the expectation we have for our children, and it underscores the importance of actively developing these skills.
The adage “10,000 hours of practice for every skill” holds true here. It’s not just about expecting these skills; it’s about actively engaging in and applying them. The following skills are crucial:
Think about them in the context of in a classroom with 15 or more peers
1. Listening to and following verbal directions, first request, unconditionally.
2. Exercising impulse control, both verbal and physical, including being able to sit.
3. Consistently regulating emotions, even when frustrated.
4. Understanding and practicing “We not Me” – a cornerstone of emotional intelligence. • This involves empathy, thinking of others, and prioritizing the group’s well-being over individual interests.
5. Verbal clarity in communication.
6. Expressing needs verbally over emotional or physical.
7. Cooperative behavior within a group, even when challenging.
8. Managing separation challenges – an indicator of readiness for the academic and social complexities of peer classroom work and expectations.
Addressing these basic group skills will prepare your child for the demands of school life. I work on this with the children every day at FS. Encourage your child's social skill expectations, and imagine yourself as their teacher in a classroom and multiply their number by 15 or 20. Are they consistently practicing the social skills for success in the classroom? Remain consistent in your expectation of their abilities as you instill the social and emotional skills they need to thrive.
It is crucial to also factor in the multitude of complexities that arise during the high school years. The often unspoken social dynamics and pressures in this phase are frequently overlooked in discussions about school readiness. Let us do all we can to prepare your child for their journey.
Your child and their future teachers will thank you for the attention and dedication you devote to this vital work
Thank you for your attention to this matter, and know I am more than happy to discuss any concerns or questions you may have.
Warmly yours,
Michele
10 little etiquette rules everyone should practice
Emotional Intelligence-and Etiquette