Most children find it tough to adjust to their life in a pre-school and parents play an important role in preparing and guiding the children through this phase. There are a few things that parents can do to make the transition as smooth as possible for their child. This article will outline certain points that will be useful in preparing kids for pre-school and parents will have the satisfaction that they have done everything possible to help their child. Some of the preparatory techniques that parents can use are listed below:
Planning Social Activities
Pre-schools are essentially a social setting and one can expect many other children to be present. In such as scenario preparing your child for such unusual human contact is essential. Children should be comfortable in the presence of others and parents can plan a string of social functions and activities that will help them interact better. Planning play dates with other children is also a good way to make sure that your children are comfortable around company. Shy children can be encouraged to come out of their shell and be more expressive. Enrolling your children in tumbling classes or music classes is also something that will help them be more prepared for a pre-school environment.
Come Up With a Ritual for Goodbyes
Planning a goodbye ritual each time parents leave is another option. Once children are used to it, they will be much more comfortable when they have to say goodbye to parents at the playschool. Parents should make the ritual in a matter of fact style and this should be done confidently. Children will learn to do the same over a period of time. Parents should not wave and disappear, this is a cardinal sin and it will leave the children confused. At the same time never prolong it for longer than necessary as well. Invent a ritual like a High Five or a shake hand and children will learn to take in their stride.
Read Stories Together
Children always love a good bed time story and this can be used as a method of preparation as well. There are several books on children going to school such as Franklin Goes To School which was written by Paulette Bourgeois and Starting School written by Janet Ahlberg. These books will give your children an idea about leaving for school and they will help them prepare for the same.
Encourage Listening Skills
Most pre-schools encourage children to sit around and listen to their teacher. Parents can practice something similar at home and children can be made to listen what they are saying. Making children pay attention at home is a good way to ensure that he or she doesn’t wander off during the playschool sessions. Children have a short attention span and parents can cultivate the listening habit, by having sessions for an hour every day. As your child’s attention span increases, the time period can be increased accordingly.
Parents can use the above steps as a guide and help their children adjust to the new playschool environment. It is important to keep in mind that each child is different.
