Getting them ready for Kindergarten
Enrolling your child at preschool is a great way to prepare them for kindergarten. Not only does it give them a head start in learning, but also gets them accustomed to the more academic environment that one sees in kindergarten.
Preschools are in fact a stepping stone that perfectly balance play-time with learning, almost like a training wheel on a cycle. Starting an early education ensures better performance not only for their present but for their future as well. Apart from academics, it also contributes to boosting their self-esteem and moulding their personality.
Extra-curricular activities that develop their motor skills
It’s no surprise that your child is going to adore all the extra-curricular activities that every preschool offers. From colouring with crayons to playing and climbing on slides, there’s a lot that is bound to keep your toddler amused.
But it’s much more than just fun and games! Activities such as art, crafts, running and climbing improves their hand-eye coordination which help develop their motor skills.
Encourage interpersonal relationships
Your child will finally be with other children of the same age and this can be a very exciting step for them. They may take a while to get accustomed to it, but once they do, preschool becomes so much more fun for them.
It’s a great learning ground for children to explore their interpersonal skills and form bonds with their peers. These interactions help a child build up his self-confidence and are a great way to participate in group activities.
Promote emotional development
When children spend time away from home, they will want to feel safe and cared for by the teachers. Once they begin to form trusting relationships with their teachers and peers, it will nurture their emotional growth and in turn urge them to learn more.
They also begin to care for themselves as well as others. Activities like playing and eating meals together, sharing toys and participating in group activities, promote a sense of belonging and will nurture your child emotionally as well as develop his social skills.
A good preschool will always emphasize on encouraging warm relationships so that your child feels safe enough to express his/her emotions and explore their individuality.
Improves their language and vocabulary
It’s no surprise that you’ll see a major improvement in their language skills once you enroll your child in preschool. Though parents can effectively teach their child a few words and sentences at home, the environment and guidance that children receive at a preschool will drastically improve their vocabulary. They learn new words every day along with using these words to form structured sentences.
All in all, they will slowly be able to communicate their thoughts and expressions in a better way.
What’s the best age to enrol your child in a pre-school?
So, when is the ideal time to send your child off to pre-school and is there even such a thing as the ‘right age’? Though the age of 2.5 years of age is the accepted age, many children start preschool at 3 years. While most parents will be eagerly inclined for their toddlers to begin pre-school early, there are a few things to consider.
A child’s social, emotional, physical as well as cognitive development are all deciding factors that will guide a parent to make the final call. All parents face this decision with a lot of mixed feelings as they always want the best for their child. To make things easier, here are a few things you should check off your list that will make go a long way in determining the readiness of a child for preschool.
1) Routine:
Is your child ready to stick to a timetable at home? Pre-schoolers too have different times for various activities like studying, playing, lunch and nap time. If your child finds it difficult to stick to a schedule, then maybe it’s time to start that practice at home first. You can begin by a simple task of making meal timings, so your child will know that it’s time for a meal. You could also start a bed time activity, like storytelling!
2) Physical Stamina for Preschool:
Preschool is all about exploring and interactions. So, there are going to be many field trips and different projects that will require both mental and physical stamina. Take some time to evaluate if your child comfortable undertaking different activities. Another aspect to consider here is your child’s nap time. Though many preschools schedule a nap time, it’s usually only after lunch.
3) Independence:
Is your child independent enough to complete a task or art project on his own? If your child likes to undertake such activities and is curious to learn more then he is ready for preschool!
If not, start by letting them carry out small tasks that will boost their self-confidence and make them eager to take control. Simultaneously, reward their behavior to inspire in them a positive attitude towards doing the same.
4) Communication Skills:
When it comes to communicating, examine your child’s ability to express himself. Is he able to do it effectively using short words and sentences?
No pre-schooler is expected to speak perfectly but people around him should be able to understand what he is saying. In the same manner he should be able to hear and understand instructions. Pre-schoolers use very simple sentences of three to five words. If your child can describe a setting within this framework then he is well on his way to preschool.
5) Ready to spend time apart:
Spending time away from parents can be upsetting and stressful for toddlers. Children who have never been away for the parent will have a hard time adjusting to preschool. To ensure a smooth transition, you can prepare your child by helping him make new friends and introducing him to new environments.
Physical separation for some children can be very upsetting and overwhelming. To counter this, you can bring this into his schedule by planning weekly trips to relatives’ homes or having him play with his siblings or friends.
