Answer: Your daughter is in kindergarten — a year in which she is to learn how to adjust to the school environment. She needs to learn listening skills and sharing skills, as well as how to behave appropriately in the classroom. She should master these things so it is easy for her to pick up the academic skills preparing her to read and do math in first grade.

It sounds like you have talked to the teacher about the situation at school. Many young children do prefer being with the teacher until they make friends with their classmates. Help her get to know some of the other children in her class better by scheduling play dates with them. The teacher also should be doing things to help your daughter get to know individual children better.

Your daughter seems to enjoy seeing what the other students are doing rather than working independently. At times, the teacher could put her in a small group with other students who may work better in small groups. The child also could be seated in the front of the room, away from the distraction of seeing so many other children.

Visit the classroom to observe your child's behavior. Then talk with the teacher about ways the two of you can work together to improve the child's behavior. Perhaps the child could be given some assignments at home similar to those she does at school. You could focus on helping her learn how to handle them and stay on task. You also could play-act work situations at school with your daughter to show her how to handle them.

It is definitely late in the year for your child to be so upset about going to school. Make the morning routine as simple as possible. A rewards chart could be helpful in changing her behavior.

Question: What are the secrets to getting 2- to 3-year-olds to learn about reading? — Bookworm

Answer: The process of preparing young children to read is called emergent literacy. This period starts when a child is born and continues up through pre-school. During this period, it is especially important to be reading aloud to your child. According to the International Reading Association, here are some ways to enhance the experience:

—Read the books you once connected to. Your excitement in visiting with an old friend will inspire your child to appreciate the experience of reading.

—Dramatize the stories.

—Read short nonfiction books as well as fiction.

—Use the pictures to connect with your child and check his or her comprehension.

Look for predictable books — books with a lot of repetition. Stop frequently and ask: "What do you think will happen next?"

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