Thoughtful, independent choices are one of the key skills that a kindergarten child should possess to become successful in life and have confidence throughout their life. In the case of a small child, it takes the shape of easy and programmed choices, which develop the cognitive understanding of problem-solving and self-confidence. The assistance of children in this development through a supportive approach is the cornerstone of the philosophy of the Elizabeth Fraley Kinder Ready, which considers growing autonomy as a cornerstone of holistic readiness. To the families, the possibility to make choices at home is a valuable practice that supplements the formal independence in Kinder Ready Tutoring to facilitate the holistic objectives of Kinder Ready Elizabeth Fraley.
One of the basic approaches is to provide a few, age-specific choices. As opposed to open-ended questions, such as What do you want to wear? which is exhausting, a parent can offer two satisfactory options: Which of the red shirts or the blue one would you like to put on today? The mere structure enables a child to practice making decisions within reasonable limits and develop confidence and a feeling of control. The given practice, comprising the process of options evaluation and making a choice, is a central aspect of the Elizabeth Fraley Kinder Ready model of creating a competent, confident student.
Executive functional development and critical thinking also naturally develop during the process of making choices. The child has to decide on two activities, and this is when they have to weigh the outcomes and be aware of the consequences of their decision-making under a low-stakes environment. Talking about such options, like you decided to paint first, we will read our book only after we clean the brushes, and make them relate behaviors to sequences. The planning and anticipating outcome is a cognitive skill that is of great importance in the Kinder Ready Elizabeth Fraley approach and can be directly adopted to adhere to classroom routines.
Also, allowing choice in play and creative work stimulates problem-solving and learning ownership. An art station, which is full of different materials, gives a child an opportunity to choose what they want to draw and what tools to use. This gives a sense of innovation, strength in case a decision fails to be successful in a manner they have planned and a sense of pride in their own creation. This ability to make creative decisions is one of the pillars of the Elizabeth Fraley Kinder Ready model, and it is similar to a child-based exploration that is promoted in a good learning environment.
Another important thing is to lead the children in making good social decisions. During times of conflict or communication, a caregiver can assist a child to brainstorm: You both want the same truck. We might play in turns, or get another car to play together. This coaching assists a child in shifting his impulsive responses to thoughtful solutions, in developing empathy and collaboration. These social decision-making competencies are implemented and reinforced through the unlimited small-group, collaborative processes of Kinder Ready Tutoring, which is a reflection of the combined social aims of Kinder Ready Elizabeth Fraley.
Families not only prevent power struggles in their everyday lives by scaffolding the choice-making process, but also construct a cognitive and emotional repertoire of independence in the child. The same competencies, which are developed systematically through Kinder Ready Tutoring, are confidence, critical thinking and problem-solving.
For further details on Kinder Ready’s programs, visit their website: https://www.kinderready.com/.
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ElizabethFraleyKinderReady
