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Ezine ready page
Ezine ready page
Posted on October 11, 2007 by Ellie Dixon | Posted under Kids
Into the big wide world - off to preschool
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Learning to co-operate Your toddler will be expected to take turns and work or play with others at preschool, so whenever you get the chance, work on this at home. Try sharing the same doll and putting pieces into a puzzle; or why not try working together when, for example, hanging out the washing - you take out the clothes and your toddler hands you the pegs. Recognising names Your toddler won't be expected to be able to read his or her name when he or she starts at preschool, but knowing what the name's appearance, and what letter it begins with can be of great help when so many things at preschool will be marked with it. Write your child's name on art work, on the fridge in magnetic letters, with a stick in the sandpit, wherever it's possible to do so. Don't pressurise him or her to learn to recognise it at this stage however. Packing a lunch box If your toddler will be taking lunch to preschool, then choose a nice new lunch box together - maybe one with his or her favorite storybook or cartoon characters on it. A few days before the first day at preschool start packing his or her lunch into the box and let your toddler eat from it at the kitchen table. Encourage them to help with chores If you haven't been asking your toddler to assist you with simple chores, then now's the time to start. Begin with|Concentrate on} tasks that he or she might be expected to help with at preschool, such as clearing the table, or washing paintbrushes. Giving instructions Make following instructions into a game - try calling out several in a row, eg pick up that teddy, stroke its head twice, stand on one leg and bring me the teddy please. Again, don't be concerned if your toddler doesn't follow the instructions consistently - he or she will probably take the staff at preschool much more seriously than you! Offer different options Children do have to make some decisions at preschool. Give them some practice by giving your toddler different options whenever you can. For example, "Do you want to wear the red or the blue socks?" "Do you want apple or banana?""Do you want cereal or toast for breakfast?" Develop a structure If your lifestyle tends to be of the spontaneous, unstructured kind, then start to incorporate some routine into your child's day in the weeks before he or she starts preschool to get them used to the idea of a routine day. Getting along with others Arrange plenty of play dates in the weeks before preschool begins to develop your child's confidence with other children. But don't overdo it - your child may grow tired of socialising before school even starts! Remember - beginning at preschool should be a positive experience. If your preschool runs an adjustment period in which parents and caregivers can participate, then seize this opportunity, it will assist your child to settle into this strange new environment. When it's time to leave, don't sneak off without saying good-bye, even if this means tears. Be sure to tell your toddler when you'll be back - and keep that promise. Leave with a happy smile that tells your toddler you're confident that she or he is going to have a wonderful day!! About The Author: Ellie Dixon lives in deepest rural Devon, England with her husband and two very large Newfoundland dogs. She is passionate about vintage illustrated children's books and loves to restore and edit them for today's kids to rediscover. Visit her website, Scruffy's Bookshop, to download some great books for pre-schoolers and older children, and while you're there sign up for her free monthly newsletter. |
Tags: PRESCHOOL, READY FOR PRESCHOOL, STARTING PRESCHOOL, TODDLER, CHILD, CHILD DEVELOPMENT, PRE KINDERGARTEN
