There are two pre-requisites for Kindergarten that are absolute musts for Kindergarten readiness: 1. Creative Imagination 2. Obedience Creative Imagination The most important skill to enhance within a child is creative imagination - "the power to think and to do” (White, 1903/1952, Ed., 17, ¶2; Kagan, Moore, & Bredekamp, 1995). Creative imagination is re-enacting life – what is seen, heard, sensed. It is the child’s way of practicing how to deal with life.
So beware of what they see, hear and sense. Eliminate, or at least greatly limit their exposure to T.V., videos, movies – all electronic visual stimuli. Also, avoid fairs, theme parks and fast-paced activities, fast-paced music, and fast-paced entertainment. Instead, frequent places that requires active learning, such as: 
Obedience Embedded within the Biblical perspective of early childhood training, the most important tool to teach a child is that of obedience; not blind obedience, but an obedience based on discerned trust and respect (Proverbs 8:33; White, 1903/1952, Ed., p. 287, ¶1; White, 1954/2002, CG, p. 79, ¶1). It is through obedience that the young child learns to respect authority, “both human and divine” (Luke 2:52; 1 Samuel 2:26; White, 1903/1952, Ed., p. 287, ¶1). It is through obedience the child learns self-government, self-reliance and self-control (Luke 1:15 & 80; White, 1903/1952, Ed., p. 287, ¶2). Through obedience, the child can
experience the contentment found in useful labor, service, discipline,
organization, cleanliness and worship (White, 1903/1952, Ed., p. 36-38). "...[O]nly in obedience to the law of God” will they experience “true freedom”, liberty and life (1 Samuel 2:35; Romans 8:2 & 6; White, 1903/1952, Ed., p. 291, ¶2; p. 36, ¶1). What is obedience? Listening and Follow-Through Notice, a pre-requisite for kindergarten is not sitting still! That’s because at the age of 5, children are still learning through doing, from being active and involved. The do’s and don’ts for teaching obedience are the same as those we use for developing creative imagination. Eliminate, or at least greatly limit their exposure to T.V., videos, movies – all electronic visual stimuli. Also, avoid fairs, theme parks and fast-paced activities, fast-paced music, and fast-paced entertainment. The how-to’s for teaching obedience are as varied as are your children. In a nutshell, though, remember that obedience is listening and follow-through. (For details and explanations of the how-to’s for teaching obedience, see the Vignette section of the YCMwebsite.) First of all, be a model. Listen to your children. To increase their listening skills, provide audio stories, relaxing music and simple songs with simple lyrics. Avoid ignoring your children. Avoid syncopated music with fast lyrics. Avoid electronic visual entertainment. Just remember: As a general rule: If it’s fast-paced, avoid it with haste! Secondly, be a model for following through. Help your child follow-through; make it possible for them to successfully obey. Expect your child to follow-through and don’t rescue them, do it yourself or ignore undone or incomplete tasks. In respect to training the young child through discipline, parents and teachers should reflect the character of Christ by:
(For details and explanations of each bullet point, see the Vignette section of the YCM website.) Links to Developmental Checklists Developmental Rating Scale, 0-9 Months Developmental Rating Scale, 9-24 Months Developmental Rating Scale, 24-36 Months Developmental Rating Scale, 36-48 Months Developmental Rating Scale, 48-60 Months
© 2012, C. Gillan Byrne
Speaking appointments are typically scheduled 12 months in advance. To schedule a speaking appointment with Dr. Gillan Byrne, please use the email link or call (479) 216-9771.
References Holy Bible, The. King James Version Kagan, S.L., Moore, E., & Bredekamp, S. (June, 1995). Reconsidering children’s early development and learning: Toward common views and vocabulary (National Education Goals Panel ISBN-0-16-048151-1). Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office. White, E. G. (1952/1980). Adventist
Home [AH]. Hagerstown, MD: Review and Herald Publishing Association. White,
E. G. (1903/2002). Education [Ed]. Mountain View, CA: Pacific Press
Publishing Association. |