A student’s journey through education starts with the very first experiences with learning. For young children, these initial encounters with learning are often very informal and may vary in structure and subject matter from one learning encounter to the next. However, as students progress through the years in school, these early learning experiences combine to form a unique curriculum that outlines a student’s skills and domains of knowledge.
Often, parents and students may not be entirely aware of how formal the curriculum is becoming for young children and may assume that it is simply a matter of time until their child is prepared for school. This can lead to a tension between parents and students regarding their child’s education as students feel less engaged by the subjects and find it difficult to see the point of studying when they have so little time left before graduation.
While this may be the case for older children, it is not necessarily so for young students. PreK students have a lot to learn and little time to do it in, which is why it is important to have an idea of what skills and domains the students need to learn before graduation.
Math
It cannot be stressed enough that the study of math is not simply a collection of calculations. For younger students, the subjects may be introduced in an informal way, with young children simply testing their parents’ patience by demanding to know how many strawberries are in a jar. As students increase in age, they may move away from simply testing their parent’s knowledge to applying it in real-life scenarios such as calculating tip amounts or currency conversions. While there is no specific math curriculum for young students, informal learning opportunities such as cooking with grandparents, playing with toys or puzzles, or taking part in an extracurricular math club can all contribute to a student’s early math learning.
Writing
Along with math, the study of writing is another important skill for students to learn. Like math, writing is a subject that can be introduced in a variety of ways, from writing short stories to composing plays for their class to presenting their opinions in formal school settings. Even young students can start to learn the rules of grammar and the structure of a well-written document, which will support them in later life.
Reading
Finally, students need to be familiar with the basic concepts of reading and comprehending text. This can be accomplished through a wide variety of texts, including fiction, non-fiction, and comics. By exposing students to a variety of texts and different forms of literature, parents, teachers, and students can ensure that young students develop a strong foundation for reading and writing. Parents and students can also discuss which books are suitable for each other based on characters, settings, and themes, which can help create a common understanding of what each other enjoys reading.
To determine the skills and domains that your child needs to learn before graduation, you can use this handy reference guide developed by the National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC). Simply click on the link above to access the guide, which contains detailed information about each subject including:
- Recommended Course Content
- Common Core Standards
- Related Occupations
- Starting, Advancing, & Post-Graduate Careers
- How to Prepare for Graduation
How To Prepare For Graduation
Once your child has developed the necessary skills and knowledge, it’s time to prepare them for graduation. Depending on whether your child is in high school or middle school, there are a variety of ways they can do this. In either case, most states require students to undergo some sort of training program after high school graduation to prepare them for life in the workforce. For those in high school, there are a variety of options including completing a dual-enrollment program with a local college or University, taking a job shadowing veterans, or getting involved in their community through their local Varsity Club. In middle school, students can take part in an after-school program that provides them with job skills and enables them to prepare for the workforce or join a trade-school or technical-school affiliate to learn a skill that will be useful in the workplace. After completing training, students can look for a job in a related field or go on to further education in a technical field or a graduate program. Once again, this is something to discuss with your child’s teachers and parents to find the best possible option for your child’s needs.
To find out more about training programs and how to prepare for graduation, consult with your child’s high school or middle school guidance counselor. They will be able to direct you to the resources needed to help your child successfully navigate the educational and career-related challenges ahead.
Once your child is graduated, it’s time to celebrate! Although you may be sad to see your child leave the nest, you can be proud of what they have accomplished, and the experience they have gained in their formative years.