Starting preschool is not only a big step for your toddler; even as a parent, you can’t help but wonder, is my child ready for preschool? There will be feelings of nervousness and excitement constantly on your mind. But don’t fret. We’ve got you covered!
The next few months will require your child to gain confidence, interact with other children, make friends, acquire new skills and learn to do things independently. Thus, the earlier you prep your child for preschool, the better.
Even though you have Unicef to help you and your child prepare for preschool, we have listed a schedule and critical activities to help with the transition.
Have a look:
1. Visit Your Childs's Preschool
It is best to visit your child’s preschool beforehand – take your toddler with you. Once you meet the preschool teacher, they will show you and your child the class, which will help them familiarize themselves with the class and school. Check if a schedule is posted. You can talk to the teacher about how each hour of the day will look for your child. You can help show your child where they’ll sit, keep their bags and books, and have lunch.
2. Read Books That Will Be Part of the Preschool Curriculum
There is no better advice for a parent than reading to your child. When you read to your child, they will also develop a reading routine. It is best to instill this habit in them while they are young. Books will help kids with their nervousness about starting preschool.
Here are a few recommendations that we swear by:
· What to Expect At Preschool by the famous Heidi Murkoff
· Maisy Goes to Preschool by Lucy Cousins
· First Day by Margaret Wild
A preschool curriculum will be assigned to your child before their classes start. That would allow them to better prepare for preschool. Additionally, it will give them an edge over other preschoolers and help them feel confident. You must utilize the next few weeks by helping them with as much of the curriculum as possible.
3. Act it Out
Pretend play works best in this situation. It will help prepare the child for preschool. Here’s how your daily routine should look like: pretend you’re going to school with them (study area for now), ask them to get their backpack (preferably from their room), hang it on their shoulders for them, then make way to the study area and sit down for group time.
You can play games, read stories, draw shapes, or color. These activities will help your child adapt to what their new routine at preschool would look like. You must teach them a few social skills. Talk to them about getting the teacher's attention by raising their hand. Make use of puppets. Take turns and roleplay.
4. Work on Self-Help/ Motor Skills
Since you won’t be around to help your child, it is crucial to teach them self-help skills such as going to the toilet, washing their hands, putting on their backpack, etc. This activity helps boost hand strength and allows them to do these small tasks faster. Additionally, motor skills such as gluing, coloring, cutting with the help of scissors, etc., are equally essential for them.
Getting Your Child Ready for Preschool
While you fill each day of home prep with fun and learning about your child, ensure you keep the teachers up to date with all the activities they’ve learned at home and their difficulties with them. You can inform them if they need more work on a few activities.
From friendly reminders to learning binders, we have one-on-one support material for your child to help them get a head start on their preschool routines. Our practical tips and personalized assistance will have your young ones thriving.
Get in touch today for further information.
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