Did you know that the human brain is hard-wired for story? George Lakoff, a university scientist, wrote in his book Metaphors We Live By that our minds crave stories and are part of the structure of our brains. What does this mean for kindergarten readiness? That stories are a powerful teaching and learning tool! To help you get your child ready for kindergarten, tell stories. The theme this month is all about backpacks and I posted earlier about 2 children’s books with monsters and other surprises inside backpacks but this time, you and your child can work together to create a backpack story. Here are some story starters:
- Once upon a time, a backpack sat all alone. Did someone forget this backpack?
- Once upon a time, there was a backpack who wanted to go for an adventure…
- Once upon a time, there was a little boy/girl who had a magic backpack…
You can adapt stories to help your child with specific issues. If your child is fearful, the backpack may be scared about something, too, and find a solution. Your child may need some guidance on solving conflicts with playmates. The backpack can have the same concern and discover some strategies that help. Each child has unique developmental needs and may respond to a different format. Stories can be created to match these readiness for kindergarten needs. What’s your story?