Preschool Development

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Elementary School Expert Advice from Barbara Potts

Question: Do you think it's important for children in preschool to know how to read and write their names?

Answer: Many children today already know how to read and write their names before they begin kindergarten. If they don't, they learn quickly once they start school.

The age that they begin to do this depends on the child. Children will learn to read and write when they are ready to do that, and they should not be pushed to do it before they are ready.

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Barbara Potts has worked as an elementary school counselor for many years. She has a BA in psychology from Wake Forest University, and an M.Ed. in Guidance and Counseling from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.

Please note: This "Expert Advice" area of FamilyEducation.com should be used for general information purposes only. Advice given here is not intended to provide a basis for action in particular circumstances without consideration by a competent professional. Before using this Expert Advice area, please review our General and Medical Disclaimers.

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