Canyons School District wants all children to be ready for kindergarten. That’s why early childhood educators in the District have created a program to advise parents on the best ways to help their 3- and 4-year-old boys and girls prepare for school.

At two upcoming events, Canyons District will give tips to parents on ways they can ready their children for the first year of school. The classes, materials and games are provided at no charge.

“The aim of the More for 4 program is to work as partners with parents to support the growth of children in the areas of early literacy, numeracy, motor, language and social development so they can be successful in kindergarten,” said Terri Mitchell, coordinator of Canyons’ early childhood programs.
 
Mitchell says parents who attend the More for 4 Parent Academy will be presented with tips to use in everyday life to prepare their children for school.

For example, she says, parents could reinforce early knowledge of numbers and quantity by asking their child to count out five dinner plates in order to set the table.  They also could ask their children to count the number of red cars they may see while running errands.
 
Both exercises are easy ways to help children learn about numbers and colors, she said. Participation in the More for 4 Parent Academy is not required. It is designed as a support for parents whose children will attend kindergarten next year in Canyons District.
 
This will be the second round of “More for 4” courses. A trio of classes was successfully presented in the fall.

Free, on-site childcare also will be provided at the events. Courses, which will be conducted in both English and Spanish, are offered at the following locations:
 
Monday, March 26
Crescent Elementary
11100 S. 230 East
6:30 to 8 p.m.

Thursday, March 29
Bell View Elementary
9800 S. 800 East
6:30 to 8 p.m.

Click here to hear a KSL Newsradio story on Canyons District’s “More for 4” program.