Starting kindergarten is a big milestone for every child. To help them better prepare, Little Blessings Preschool and Childcare Center, a trusted preschool daycare in Van Buren, Arkansas, lists down some tips that every parent should consider. From practicing new routines to visiting the school ahead of time, following these tips can increase the likelihood that everything will go smoothly on their first day of preschool.
Tip #1: Establish New Routines
In the weeks or months before school starts, make sure to establish new routines, such as dinnertime and bedtime. Research shows that predictable routines are vital in early childhood and that changes in routines may cause difficulties in adjusting to kindergarten. Begin early and make changes gradually.
Tip #2: Schedule a Tour
If possible, schedule a tour of the school and take your child with you. If you can, coordinate a meeting with the principal and faculty as well. This will help your child adjust to the new environment that they will be in and it may make them feel more comfortable during the first day of school.
Tip #3: Teach Independence
Transitioning to kindergarten means greater independence from parents and caregivers, and children are expected to be a bit more independent. Before school starts, it is important for parents to teach their children to be self-sufficient and self-reliant. You can help foster your child’s independence by giving them age-appropriate chores and responsibilities at home, allowing them to work on basic self-care skills, allowing them to make their own choices, and providing lots of time for unstructured/free play. Fostering your child’s freedom can boost their self-confidence and help make the transition to kindergarten much easier.
Tip #4: Read
This is perhaps one of the most important things that you can do to prepare your child for kindergarten. Foster your child’s reading abilities and love of books by providing them with age-appropriate reading materials. Also, make reading a family activity. Read with them every chance you get. You can make reading more interactive by asking them questions, such as “What do you think will happen next?” and giving them time to answer. Let them imagine and give them the chance to share their thoughts. Not only will you help sharpen their reading skills, but you are allowing them to be creative and to form their opinions too.
Tip #5: Practice
Kindergarteners need to know how to safely handle basic classroom materials, such as pencils, sharpeners, crayons, and scissors. Practice at home. Teach them how to cut with safety scissors, teach them to write, and prepare other fun activities that mimic what they will do at school.
Tip #6: Consider the Logistics
Consider the logistics ahead of time. Make sure to find out about things, such as drop-off and pick-up times, parking instructions, and important policies if your child will be picked up by someone else. This will help make everything easier for both the parents and children.
These are just 6 tips from your friendly childcare center in Greenwood, Arkansas. What are your thoughts?
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