Starting grade school is an exciting milestone for preschoolers and their parents. However, it can also be a period of uncertainty and fear. To ensure a smooth transition and help prepare your little one for this big step, focusing on building their confidence, independence, and social skills are of utmost importance.
A quality preschool program at an early learning (childcare) centre establishes the necessary foundations before your child heads off to school. With the right supportive environment there are a few steps that you as the parent can do to support at home.
Keep reading to learn some essential tips to best prepare your preschooler for formal school.
Read To Your Child Daily
Reading to your child is a great way to increase their vocabulary, develop their listening and comprehension skills, and foster a love of learning. Choose books that are age/developmentally appropriate and that you both enjoy!
Encourage Independence
Let your child take on various age/developmentally appropriate responsibilities, such as helping with chores, making their bed, getting dressed by themselves, washing their plate (or at least taking it to the sink), cleaning up their toys, and brushing their teeth. Doing this will help build their confidence and prepare them for the independence they will need in school.
Foster Social Skills
Playdates and social gatherings are a sure way for your child to learn how to interact with other children and adults. Healthy social interactions are vital for developing social skills and learning respect and boundaries. You can encourage them to share their belongings, take turns during play, and show empathy towards others.
Talk About School
Being vocal and positive about what your child may expect from school will help tremendously with forming an idea of what to look forward to in the coming months and years. Explain what school is, what they will be doing, and who they will meet. Use books, videos, and pictures to create a clear picture for them.
Establish Routines
Establishing healthy and realistic routines is a prominent part of managing tasks and responsibilities throughout life. Create habits for waking up, eating breakfast, getting dressed, and going to bed. Doing this will help your child feel more comfortable with the structured system of the school.
Practice Basic Skills
Taking the classroom home is a fantastic way of ensuring that your child is well practised in basic skills, helping strengthen their confidence and enjoyment in various learning areas. Assist your child with writing their name, counting and recognising shapes and colours. These are critical skills they will be learning in school.
Preparing your preschooler for school is a team effort between parents and early childhood educators/teachers. Focus on building your child’s confidence, independence, and social skills to help them feel ready and excited for this next step in their education.
Beach Kids Early Learning & Preschool campuses offers supportive and loving early childhood centres, the perfect preschools for building healthy foundations before formal schooling. Find out more about our early learning (childcare) centres in Chinderah/Kingscliff and Cabarita/Bogangar by getting in touch today.
