Take advantage of the everyday reading and writing you already do in your home to introduce your child to the world of words. Create lists for shopping and errands and include your child as you spell out items and add them to the lists.
Also set aside time to read with your child in a quiet, comfortable place. Allow her to choose a favorite book, and discuss with her why she chose it. Read slowly to her, holding the book open in front of her face and tracing the words with your fingers as you go. Take small breaks from reading to discuss illustrations and major events of the story. When the book is finished, ask your child what she would change in the story.
Ask her to read a familiar book to you. Children who are still learning to read will be able to recite the story loosely, based on the pictures.
Arts and craft projects will give your child a chance to express creativity and use his hands. Provide various child-safe art supplies and schedule creative time for him. Play-Doh sculpting is a fun hands-on activity. Challenge him to make a sculpture of a family pet or favorite cartoon character. Cut male and female human forms out of sturdy card stock.
Supervise your child's use of safety scissors as he cuts clothing and accessories like hats and jewelry out of construction paper. Hold a paper airplane contest to see who can make the best glider. Provide him with standard white paper and make him a paper airplane example to follow. Set up a starting line and mark the landing distance of successful flights. Use a measuring tape to measure the top three flight distances. No matter the level of success, always encourage his efforts and compliment the work done on these arts and crafts.
Set goals to reward success and remind your child how far she has come. Design wall charts that show her progress and give her something to be proud of. Mark the chart to reflect her advancements in artistic growth and educational concepts. Set reachable goals and specific rewards to motivate her to learn. Reinforce the concept that hard work pays off in dividends of personal growth and a feeling of accomplishment.
Use a large wall calendar to help your child learn about schedules and periods of time. Explain to her how her school schedule will operate so she understands when it is time to learn and when it is time to play. She will be ready and confident about her chance for success in school.