Kindergarten Handbook Can Ease Big Step For Kids

Is your child ready for kindergarten this fall? Kindergarten has a lasting effect on a child’s attitude toward school, self-esteem and achievement, yet according to the Carnegie Foundation for Educational Research, almost one-third of America’s children start kindergarten unprepared.

In the next few months, parents will be considering whether their child is ready to learn and “The Kindergarten Survival Handbook” ($12.95, Parent Education Resources) can help make that determination.

Author Allana Elovson, an educational psychologist, has written this illustrated, parent-friendly book that has been called “the best book of its kind” by educators and parents.

The handbook begins with the Before School Checklist, which lists the skills and information a child needs in order to have an enjoyable and rewarding kindergarten experience.

The second part of the book, called A Guide For Parents, shows parents simple ways to use everyday experiences and ordinary objects to provide a learning environment for the child.

The handbook is also available in Spanish as “El Manual de Como Sobrevivir el Jardin de Ninos.”

Both books can be found in major bookstores or by ordering from the publisher at P.O. Box 2510, Novato, CA 94948. Include $12.95, plus $3.50 for shipping and handling.

Fun at the Y

The YWCA summer camp series has funfilled activities for girls and boys in grades one through seven, including swimming, arts, games, field trips and sports. Ten weekly sessions begin June 19 through Aug. 25, each with a different theme such as Carnival Week, Mystery Week and Earth Week.

Each session is from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. with extended hours 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. The cost is $80 for five days or $60 for three days. For more information or to register, call Val Hunt at (509) 326-1190.

Crafts for kids

The Corbin Art Center is offering seven weeks of arts and crafts workshops for children, beginning June 19. Kids, 3 to 5, will enjoy clay, puppet making, color workshops and more. Ages 6 to 11 may choose from painting, wood-working and sand-casting, among others.

The workshops are for one or two hours; call the center at (509) 625-6677 for price information or to obtain a schedule.

More art for youngsters

The Summer Arts Program is open for registration at the Spokane Art School, for youth and adults. The program begins June 19 through Aug. 24, at 920 N. Howard.

Two- and three-hour workshops are available for ages 4 through high school in mediums such as ceramics, jewelry, mask making and sculpture.

Evening classes for adults are available in calligraphy, doll making, oil painting, photography and more.

Call for tuition as workshops vary in price. Scholarships are available, but space is limited so register early by calling (509) 328-0900.

Friendly relief for boo-boos

Casper, the world’s friendliest ghost, is now appearing on Curad adhesive bandages in conjunction with the newly released “Casper” movie, by Steven Spielberg’s Amblin Entertainment.

Retailing for under $2, Casper strips can be found in most drug and super markets.

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