Page 9 - Senior Link Magazine Spring 2025 - Online Magazine

Focus
FAMILY

Grandparent
THE

Advantage

All of us have special ones who have loved us into being. - Fred Rogers
by Reagan Doyal

randparents play a special for this crucial milestone. One of colors on the page can turn any
role in loving children the most enjoyable and effective book into a counting or seek-and-
Ginto the amazing people ways to do this is through reading find book.
they will become. Your love, together. A quality storytime can
tenderness, corny jokes, stories, go beyond reading the words After finishing the story, take
and sense of fun are a key part of on a page. It can foster early a moment to reflect. Ask your
what makes growing up special math skills, cognitive thinking, grandchild about their favorite
for a child. language development, and part, how certain events made
social-emotional growth—all them feel, or what they might
One of the most pivotal moments while creating special memories have done differently. Encourage
for a child is when they enter with your grandchildren. them to relate the story to their
kindergarten. However, declining own experiences or retell it in
state scores and academic Making Storytime Meaningful their own words later. These
pressures have pushed so and Fun activities build comprehension
much more curriculum into the and confidence while making
kindergarten classroom. This Before reading a story, start by storytime more interactive.
has caused a new problem: connecting the story to something
When kids have to learn more familiar to your grandchild. The Grandparent Advantage
in kindergarten, they have to be Learning builds on connections, Through thoughtful and engaging
better prepared before they start. so if they relate to the story, they’ll storytimes, you help children
The scary thing: our kids aren’t understand and enjoy it more. develop essential learning
ready, they are falling behind, and For example, if the story is about skills that prepare them for
it is causing problems that last animals, you might mention a kindergarten and beyond. Plus,
through a child’s academic career. recent trip to the zoo or a pet they
love. These simple connections these shared moments deepen
In West Texas, the statistics are help set the stage for deeper your bond, creating memories
troubling. Over half—54%—of engagement. your grandchild will treasure
children are not ready to start forever.
kindergarten (according to As you read, you can have fun For more tips on school readiness,
TEA and Region 17 Data). Even bringing the story to life. Point pick up our framework cards
among children who attend out details in the illustrations and at any Lubbock Public Library,
PreK, one-third still aren’t ask questions like, “What do you and follow @ttupublicmedia on
prepared for kindergarten. These think will happen next?” React Facebook and Instagram. You can
numbers highlight the urgency with surprise or excitement when also explore the full kindergarten
of addressing early childhood something unexpected occurs. If readiness framework in the
readiness. a character shows a big emotion,
ask how your grandchild thinks PBS KIDS section of tv.kttz.org.
The wonderful news is that the character feels before reading Together, we can help children
grandparents can play a vital further. For younger children, embark on their educational
role in helping children prepare counting objects or identifying journey with confidence and joy!

Lubbock Senior Link 9