What Is Independence?
A child's ability to think and make decisions for themselves.
How Can I Teach This At Home?
Playing
1. Encourage self-expression during play time! This is a great opportunity for children to formulate ideas for themselves and to develop their personality.
2. Let children take the lead when they play. This will help with their oral composition!
Reading
1. Read books about others who are growing up and making decisions for themselves.
2. Read stories that feature characters who are changing and experiencing new things.
Singing
1. Sing "The Wheels on the Bus" with your child to teach them about a school bus!
Talking
1. Talk to your child about how they are feeling when they are doing something new for the first time. Making sure that you are addressing all their fears and concerns will help them feel more at ease with the new situation.
2. Establish a routine for your child and let them know of any changes in their routine.
Writing
1. Practice writing/drawing of any kind! The more familiar children get with writing, the easier it will be for them to work independently when they are at home or school.
2. Have children practice writing their names. They will need to know how to do this for kindergarten!
Skills Checklist
Where Do I Start?
The Pigeon HAS to Go to School! by Call Number: EASY WILLEMSISBN: 9781368046459Publication Date: 2019
Need More?
The catalog for the Waco-McLennan County Library is available here!
If you want to search for more resources in our catalog in this subject, we suggest you search for the following subject headings:
For more assistance with searching and locating items held by the Waco-McLennan County Library, use our Ask a Librarian feature available on our catalog website or stop in to one of our branches!
The Waco-McLennan County Library provides patrons with access to resources through our Electronic Resources page, which can be found here. Suggested databases are listed below:
Did You Know?
Between the ages of 4 and 6, children become much more independent and learn more rules than ever before. Setting a routine can help children learn and practice those skills on a daily basis!
Online Resources
There are many different online resources for early literacy - and we know it can be overwhelming. The following apps, blogs/newsletters, videos, and websites are some of the materials we would recommend to learn more about children going to school and becoming more independent!
APPS
1. Dress Up Games 4 Toddler Kids
3. Sago Mini World: Kids Games
BLOGS/NEWSLETTERS
1. Psychology Today: Parenting: Raise Independent Children
2. Smart Kids School: The Importance of Teaching a Child to Become Independent
3. Your Therapy Source: 5 Ways to Teach Your Children to Be Independent
VIDEOS
