Each month I like to start a new topic of fun activities for encouraging kindergarten readiness and all kinds of early learning. After many years working with young children, a sense of play creeps into many blog posts. This time, it’s a play on the word ‘handy’, for ideas that are helpful and that use hands. 
Yesterday’s post was the last one in a series of 10 on helping children who are starting preschool and kindergarten. Although some areas have already begun, the day after Labor Day still feels like the beginning of the school year. And one of the very last things that happens is that kids and parents wave goodbye to each other.
Waving goodbye is a developmental milestone for a baby in terms of communication. It is one of the earliest gestures that a baby learns to imitate and soon babies connect the gesture to the word bye. As children connect words and meanings they begin the process of using language. Teachers do not teach children to speak and use language. Parents and caregivers do that.
Even if your child is off to preschool or kindergarten today, please remember that you are your child’s first teacher. Learning is not just the responsibility of the school. Instead of teachers taking it on, it’s more like another person has been added to the early learning team. Your child has begun a relationship with the teacher and so have you.
A wave can mean both goodbye and hello. As you wave goodbye to your child, in a way you are waving hello to your child’s teacher. My wish is a great year for you, your child and teacher, all together. And for those parents, caregivers and little ones with another few years, your turn is coming. In the meantime, there will be lots more handy ideas for learning and fun.
Can you lend a hand and send in your suggestions and comments?