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Readiness Kit Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are common kindergarten readiness questions moms ask about Pre K Scholars. Feel free to send your questions via contact form or the "Mom Talk" blog and we may add the answers to this list too.
1. After purchasing the Readiness Kit, will I need any other supplies?
Yes, each activity will require some supplies such as stickers, construction paper, candy for counting, crayons, and markers, for example. Use the master supplies list in your kit for reference to either purchase the items weekly or fulfill it all up front.
2. My days can be hectic, how do I set aside the learning time?
The program was designed to provide 1-1/2 hours of activities within a weekly lesson plan built around one or two letters. Optional home activities are provided as well. You have the flexibility to decide how you want to set up your learning time. Perhaps 30-minute segments of "playing school" on three consecutive days at the same time each day works best for you and your child, for example. You can really go at your own pace for each weekly lesson.
This quality time with your child is valuable. It also reflects the value you place on learning and education. Your child will appreciate the activity time with you and will take pride in his/her work. Once that learning light goes on, this will be time you both will look forward to everyday. What a wonderful gift it is to teach your child something new every week—and all the fun tools are right there in your kit to make it easy.
3. If the lessons are designed to be weekly, is it detrimental if my child and I go through more than one lesson a week?
There are enough activities per letter/per week that you could do an activity everday. Should you have extra time, we recommend you spend more time on the Scholarville phonics characters, the Guessing Game and the beginning sounds home activity binder pages until the next week in which you will introduce a new letter. The program is meant to be fun and reinforcing to the child. Rushing through the program may only add anxiety. Treasure the learning process and gradual progression for an optimal end result.
4. I also have a three-year old; can she participate along with my four-year old?
Yes, but keep it very relaxed and do not push your three-year old to learn the skills because her developmental stage is different. Know that your children's ability levels will differ and you are trying to provide an optimal learning environment for your older child in preparation for kindergarten. Keep in mind that parents who push a child at an early age can find that he or she is bored in kindergarten, so there is a balance to consider.
5. Why are the lessons not taught in alphabetical order?
For several reasons; one is to avoid rote memory and to take the letters out of order context to make them unique and special. Also, letters are introduced based on speech/pronunciation development. For example, many four and five year olds have trouble pronouncing the sound "S" makes, so it is introduced closer to the end of the program.
Finally, the Pre K Scholars program develops multi-disciplinary skills that build on each other based on the order of letter introduction. For example, a child will need to know number value and number sense covered in "N" week before he or she can add two numbers together in "A" week.
6. My child is slow and has trouble catching on. How do I work with her so that she is successful?
Simplify the material, stay at a comfortable, repetitious pace, and set it up so your child feels successful and not overwhelmed. For example, you can guide him/her through the correct response or get your child started then ask him/her to complete the rest of the activity.
7. Will this program work for a hyperactive child?
Yes. It is interactive, engaging and fun. Adjustments can be made as needed, such as providing frequent, smaller amounts of time to work on the activities.
8. What if my child does not seem interested?
Personalize the characters and the town of Scholarville so that it comes to life. Be a storyteller and spark his/her imagination so he/she is motivated to want to learn more. Ask your child questions. Do a little at a time and keep it fun.
9. Will a kindergarten readiness program of this nature burn out my child on school at an early age?
No, quite the opposite. It should ignite the learner inside of them as they discover that learning is fun, learning is a part of life and that they can succeed.
10. Is it okay if different family members teach my child each week, such as having dad, mom and grandma alternating weeks?
Yes, as long as there is consistency threaded throughout. Children are more successful at learning when the teaching is predictable and they know the routine. When children are comfortable and know what to expect, a more positive learning environment is created.
11. What if my child does not learn everything in the 22 weeks?
The kit is yours and you can revisit the materials at any time to achieve greater mastery. Repetition, reinforcement and a slower pace may be necessary in some instances.
12. Why do you ask for my e-mail address?
We would like to follow up with you by e-mail to gain feedback on how you are doing with your program, and may send you occasional notices about new tools available on our Web site. We promise not to sell or share your e-mail address with anyone. We know how annoying it can be to receive unsolicited advertising and do respect your privacy.
13. Can I pass this on to my sister's preschooler after my child is finished?
Your kit was purchased for one-time family use and the activities and binder will be completed by your child. On occasion, we would like to offer referral incentives to our Pre K Scholars families and will notify you in that instance.
14. What if my child and I enjoy this program so much that I am asked to teach the lessons to my friends' children?
Then we have a great Teacher Kit for you that includes materials to teach a class of eight! We can make it easy for you to upgrade, so contact us if this is the case.
15. What if I have additional questions?
The prekscholars.com Web site provides a variety of ways to ask questions including e-mail, Mom Talk blog and telephone. We want you and your child to get the most out of your Pre K Scholars Kindergarten Readiness Kit, so don't hesitate to contact us if you have a question or suggestion.