Self-control is a very
important skill that children need to master. Many preschoolers may not yet have
the ability
to regulate their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. Self-control is a strong indicator to many Kindergarten teachers that
children are ready for school. It is a cognitive process that allows them
to manage themselves in order to achieve a specific goal. Kids need self-control to be able to sit still, pay
attention, follow directions, and control their impulses. For
example, children who exhibit self-control can wait their turn when playing a
game, can refrain from hitting others when they’re mad, and can delay
gratification.
| "I WANT IT NOW!" |
Teaching children self-control is one of the best ways to prepare them for success. There are several games that can help kids
strengthen their self-control by developing self-regulation by listening carefully, paying attention, and following directions.
Red Light, Green Light: One child is
the stoplight, the other children are the cars. When the stoplight yells “Green
light!” the children run towards the stoplight. When the stoplight yells “Red
light!” all the children must stop. If a child doesn’t stop, they must go back
to the starting line.
Loud or Quiet: Children have to
perform an action either loud or quiet. First, pick an action (i.e. stomp your
feet. The leader says loud, and the children stomp loud. When the leader says
“quiet, the kids stomp quietly.)
Freeze Dance: Kids dance when the music
plays and freeze when it stops.
Follow My Clap. In this game the leader
creates a clapping pattern. Children have to listen and repeat the pattern.
Simon Says: When Simon says,
“Simon says jump!” the children must jump. But if Simon only says, “Jump!” and
somebody jumps, that person must sit out for the rest of the game. The last
person standing becomes the new Simon.
These are just a few
games that will help teach children, patience, how to follow rules, and instructions
and that they sometimes have to wait for gratification,( winning, getting a
turn etc.) As you play all some of these fun games at home remember you are
setting up the foundation for your kids to be successful in kindergarten and
beyond.