Starting preschool is one of the many exciting milestones of childhood. With a few best tips, you can help in preparing a child for preschool.
What Age Do Kids Start Preschool?
Preschool usually means a preschool for kids, who are 3 and 4 years old, which starts in every fall season. Some preschools, do not take children, who are younger than 3 years old. The idea to attend a preschool for one or two years, as they will be used to it, before starting kindergarten.
Tips For Preparing A Child For Preschool
1. Use Pretend Play to explore the idea of Preschool
One of the best tips for preparing a child for preschool. Use pretends plays at home. Be a parent, child and teacher to kid. Encourage your child, by reassuring him/her that preschool is a good place where she will have fun and learn. Make sure, you answer your child’s questions patiently, as this will help children feel more in control, and in turn reduces their anxiety.
2. Visit the Preschool
Before the school starts, it is a good idea, to visit the school without your child the first time. The next time, you take your child to the preschool, show your child, the class schedule, see how he/she responds to the environment, show them where they will keep her backpack and personal things, watch how the carers interact with your child.
Some preschools, may allow you to leave your child for short visits without you to see, how well they can be adapted to the environment, and help practice separation from you. After coming home, talk positively to your child, about the school, the other children and the staff, and the activities that take place. Interact with your child, if he/she has any worries, before they start going to preschool.
3. Share Attention
Teach your child that they need to share attention. Do not let your child, demand your attention immediately, if you are involved in some other activity. It is necessary for them to learn to wait for their turn, as they are soon going to be in an environment with many other children.
4. Read Books about Preschool
Spend time reading books about preschool, with your child, before the school starts. Read about the story, how the characters are feeling, and ask how your child is feeling. This will give your child, a chance to express any fears he/she may have and to ask questions.
5. Make a Game out of practicing Self-Help Skills
The essential tip, on preparing a child for preschool. Act to your child the common daily routines, such as, saying good-bye to mommy and/or daddy, singing songs, playing outside, taking naps (R), and having circle time. Make a game out of practicing self-help skills, such as taking off her coat, hanging her coat on a hook, fastening her shoes, and packing her backpack, washing her hands, using utensils at the table, and using the toilet.
6. Get into a routine
Try to adjust your child’s sleeping and eating schedules slowly in the weeks leading up to the first day of preschool. Getting into a routine, will help them make more comfortable, helps in making the transition much smoother, when the school finally starts. Work to create a calm, peaceful environment at home, and limit TV and whatever media he/she uses.
7. Acknowledge and Express Feelings
It is normal for both of you to have feelings of anxiety. Allow your child, to express those feelings, to help our child deal with the anxiety. Listen closely, to your child, and be aware of your child’s fears, and also at the same time, acknowledge to yourself your own state of mixed feelings. You may also see some behavioral changes in your child. They tend to revert to one area, as they show developmental changes in another. Such behavior changes are temporary. They may even become less independent or revert in toilet training.
8. Preparing Your Child Physically – work on Potty Training
Most of the schools, expect your child, to be at least partially potty trained, especially if your child is four years or older than that. Work with your child to teach him the basics of potty training. The basic fundamental of potty training for your child, is waiting for your child to be ready.
Before you start potty training, he/she should start showing interest in potty training, when they are two or two and half years. They should be able to understand directions, and stay dry for about two hour periods. Make sure, your child communicates, and wants to be clean and dry. It is important, for them to know the names of their body parts, and the terminology of potty, used in your house. Help him/her learn bathroom breaks, and practice dressing skills.
9. Go on Small Outings
Go on small trips on the bus or train with your child. Utilize this time together, to expose them to different experiences, with a variety of people. Doing this way, builds up their immunity, before joining Preschool.
10. Ensure Long Hair is tied back
This is a really simple tip, before getting your child ready for Preschool. Ensure, to tie back your child’s long hair, due to health and concerns. Before they start Preschool, help them adjust to this.
11. Enhance their Confidence and Language Ability
Ensure your child expresses themselves better, and communicate what they would like to do or have, as well as ask questions to learn and reinforce an inquisitive nature.
Preparation Tips for the First Few Days of Preschool
1. Get organized
Make sure you have clothing, shoes, and backpacks organized and labeled, as the first day of preschool approaches. Stock up on healthy snack and lunch foods.
2. Stay with your child for 15 to 20 minutes on the first day of preschool
Help your child get involved in classroom activities, and help them meet a few other children. Offer them a hug, and a positive attitude.
3. Stay involved
Children need extra support, to be able to separate easily from parents. Talk with the teacher, as they have a lot of experience with this and can help develop a plan, if your child is struggling with saying goodbye to you. Let your child, know when you are leaving, rather than sneaking out, and be prompt on time to pick them up at the end of the day.
By Supraja
