Each of the on-line stories highlights one of the three areas in “Skills for Success”. Each area contains a wide variety of tips and activities that you can use to help prepare your child for school.

Stories are an excellent way to develop your child’s literacy skills. To learn more about literacy and young children, take a look at the workshops “Family Literacy 1: Building Self-Esteem” and Family Literacy 2: Reading and Storytelling.” As you watch the stories together, talk to your child about the pictures he sees on the screen. Continue reading for suggestions on bringing these stories to life for your child.

Let’s Bake a Cake

In this story, the class works together to bake a cake. Each child shares in the chores as well as the fun of making and eating the cake. This story teaches children about waiting, taking turns, and co-operating in a concrete way. For example, the class has to wait for the cake to bake before they can eat it.

1. Practice identifying and naming foods with your child by creating a grocery list together. Get a supermarket flyer and ask your child to circle or cut out items you need to buy.
2. Create picture sequences to show your child the steps to making simple snacks such as fruit salad or a sandwich.
3. Teach your child how to name and use dishes such as plates, spoons, bowls, and cups. For example, he can eat with a spoon or use it to stir like Abby and Akbar do in the story.
4. This is a good time to talk to your child about kitchen safety. Remind your child not to go near the stove or use a knife.
5. Try singing the song, “This is the way we….” when teaching your child a new skill.

The First Snow

Although Jing –Mei makes a few mistakes when she is taking her snowsuit off, she receives help and encouragement from Greg and Mrs. Patel. Your child will learn that it is O.K. to make mistakes when learning a new skill.

1. In the story, Jing-Mei walks to school with her grandmother. Talk to your child about how he gets to school.
2. Help your child identify his belongings and where they go in your home when he is not using them. For example, his clothing goes in a drawer and his jacket goes on a hook near the door.
3. Teach your child to identify and name different types of clothing. You can also emphasize action words such as “on”, “off”, and “pull” when he is getting dressed.
4. Talk to your child about the seasons. In the story it is winter. What will it look like outside in the spring, summer, or fall?
5. Talk to your child about dressing for different types of weather. In the story it is wintertime. What will Jing-Mei wear in the summer? What should Jing-Mei wear if it rains?

Play Time

In this story, Zack uses his communication book to communicate with his friend Costa. When he watches this story, your child will get an idea of what kindergarten is like. For example, sometimes he will be able to choose what he wants to do and other times he will be expected to join the group.

1. In the story, Zack plays with blocks and the sand table. Ask your child what activities he likes.
2. Zack uses his communication book to ask Costa to play with him. Show your child what he can do to ask someone to play with him.
3. Zack and Costa built a block tower together. Invite your child to build a tower with you. Talk about the colours and number of the blocks you use.
4. In the story, Mrs. Kim asks Zack and Costa to tidy up. Show your child what he can do to help tidy up at home.
5. When Zack needs to use the washroom he lets Costa know by pointing to a picture in his communication book. Show your child what he can do to let other people know when he needs to use the washroom.