
Our lives are full of new events which we experience on different days. Similarly, going to school for the first time is also memorable. How can one forget their first day, it is only natural to remember the day, no matter good or bad. Making a transition from home to preschool is a significant event in a child’s life.
Hi, I am Tithi Bhargava, mother of five-year-old son (Vihaan) and nine months old daughter (Vannya). Never thought that I have to prepare him for preschool but somehow I started Vihaan’s learning journey when he was 6 months old. Because when kids are small their learning capacity is very fast, they grasp things so easily.
ITS NOT THAT YOU MAKE THEM STUDY AT SO EARLY AGE, ITS HOW YOU MAKE THEM EXPERIENCE NEW THINGS AROUND THEM.
Proper planning is essential for ensuring a smooth and happy transition for the child.
So below are the following pointers that we as a parent have actually given a thought and implement few things that really works well with my son.
Establish A Positive Mindset:
Creating a positive mindset for your child is the first step towards a successful school experience.
Talk about preschool enthusiastically and encouragingly, highlighting the fun and exciting activities your child will engage in and new friends they will make.
Familiarize your child with the school environment:
Taking your child to preschool for new surroundings, classrooms and play areas as well as meet the teachers.
This early exposure will decrease anxiety and provide a sense of comfort and familiarity.
For example: we have changed Vihaan’s preschool two times and both the times we take him around the school, he plays over there, interact with the teachers, which make him feel comfortable.
Established a routine:
Routine give youngsters a sense of safety and predictability. Wake up, food, play, nap periods, all should correspond to the school schedule.
This regimen will assist your child in adjusting comfortably to the structure environment of preschool and will ease the transition.
Encourage independence:
Preschools teaches children independence and self-help skills. Encourage your kids to practice fundamental self-care skills including dressing themselves, going to the washroom on their own and washing their hands.
Emphasize the significance of cleaning up toys after playtime. By encouraging independence at home, we will better equip our kid to handle chores and responsibilities in school.
Develop your social skills:
Social connection is an important part of preschool life. Encourage your child to join play group, playdates, or community event to help them develop social skills. Teach children to share, take turns, and listen to others.
To increase their social confidence, role play, various social scenarios such as introducing yourself, or asking to join a game, These experiences will help your child manage social interactions with ease when they are start schooling.
Nurture communication skills:
Communication skills are essentials for a child success in preschool.
Engage your child in conversation, encouraging them to communicate their thoughts and feelings.
They can increase their vocabulary and knowledge by reading books together.
Strong communication skills will allow your child to communicate with teachers and others, building meaningful relationships and improving their learning experience overall.
Develop fine motor skills:
Fine motor abilities are required for a variety of tasks in preschool, including holding a pencil, using scissors and using small items. Colouring, puzzles, and building blocks are all great ways to help your child develop hand eye coordination.
Encourage children to do activities that improve their muscles, such as painting or beading. Your child will be better prepared to participate in numerous learning activities at school if he/ she develops fine motor skills.
For example: he started playing jigsaw puzzles, nob puzzles, at a very early age. when he was 1 yr 7 months he was able to recognize all alphabets, numbers 1-10, Hindi basic, fruits etc. He was able to do 9- piece jigsaw puzzles. And by the time he turned 2 he loved playing puzzles and was able to solve 24 pieces at one go.
We had introduced coloring at very early age and he was able to do painting very neatly when he was 2yrs.
Emphasize the importance of healthy habits:
Teach your child proper hygiene habits such as handwashing, covering their mouth while coughing or sneezing and using handkerchief.
Encourage good eating habits in your child by offering a well-balanced diet and involving him/ her in meal preparations.
Introduce basic academic concepts:
While the primary focus of preschools is social and emotional development, introducing fundamental academic ideas can make your child feel more prepared.
Introduce letters, numbers, colours, and shapes using games, music and books.
This exposure will familiarise them with these concepts and provide them with a head start when they begin official education in preschool.
Conclusion: Every child is different in his or her way. We should not compare our child to anyone as each one us are doing our best for our child and we are the best parents for them in the world.
NOW DAYS PARENTING IS NOT EASY, BUT IT ALL DEPENDS ON HOW YOU TAKE IT. SPENDING VALUABLE AND QUALITY TIME WITH YOUR KIDS IS WHAT MATTERS.