The Critical Role of Parents in Their Child's Education

Part 1: What Parents Need to Know About Their 3- to 5-Year-Olds

Developmental Milestones of 3- to 5-Year-Olds

Enrolling Your Child in Kindergarten or Waiting Another Year

What Are General Kindergarten Readiness Skills?

What Schools Expect of Kindergarteners by the End of the School Year

Part 2: Creating a Learning Environment Where Children Feel Confident

The Most Important Gifts You Can Give Your Young Child

Creating a Home Environment That Encourages Success

Building Your Child's Confidence and Self-Esteem

Protecting and Influencing Your Impressionable Young Child

What Are Learning Styles?

Recognizing and Nurturing Your Child's Strengths and Interests

The Importance of Music, Art, and Movement/Dance Activities

Developmentally Appropriate Games, Books, Songs, Manipulatives, and Other Activities/Resources

Valuable Resources for Parents (Note: Includes web sites)

Part 3: Advice on Social, Behavioral, and Discipline Issues

Communicating So Your Child Will Listen Better and Pay Attention

How to Prepare Your Child for the Social and Behavioral Expectations of School

Effective Behavioral Strategies and Positive Discipline Practices

Developing Your Child's Problem-Solving Skills and Ability to Get Along with Others

Preventing Behavioral Problems at Home and Other Places

Tips for Parenting Challenging Children

Part 4: Everything a Parent Needs to Know on How Children Learn to Read

Language and Literacy: The Building Blocks of School Success

What Is Phonemic and Phonological Awareness?

Playing with Sounds and Language

Helping Your Child Learn the Alphabet

What Research Says About Preventing Reading Difficulties

What to Expect in the Emergent and Beginning Levels of Reading Development

Getting Them Off to a Good Start: Strategies for Developing Emergent and Beginning Reading Skills

What Good Readers Do - Positive Reading Behaviors

The Importance of Read-Alouds and Shared Reading: Strategies for Reading to and with Your Child

Building Vocabulary and Comprehension Skills

How to Ask Questions That Guide Your Child in Developing Good Reading Habits and Thinking Skills

Beginning Phonics, Word Recognition, and Word Study Skills

Part 5: Getting Your Child Organized and Ready for Writing, Math, and Homework

What to Expect in the Emergent and Beginning Levels of Writing Development

Getting Them Off to a Good Start: Strategies for Developing Emergent and Beginning Writing Skills

Strategies for Building Fine Motor and Prewriting/Writing Skills

Beginning Number and Mathematical Concepts

Helping Your Child Develop Critical Math Skills and Concepts

Beginning Time Awareness and Organizational Skills

The Value and Purpose of Homework

Part 6: What to Do If You Suspect Your Child Has a Developmental Delay or Disability

Children with Learning Disabilities, Attention Deficit Disorders, and Other Special Needs

When You Are Concerned About Your Child's Development

Working with Your Child's School: A Team Approach

Part 7: What the Experts Say

Advice for Parents from Interviews with Preschool and Kindergarten Teachers and Directors

Additional Resources by the Author

Index