Parenting

PreschoolProducts Relating to 'Preschool'

Normally there's no formal preparation needed before your child starts at preschool, but there's nothing wrong with laying the foundations for a smooth introduction to the preschool environment. You can do this by:

• Practising co-operating. Your child will be expected to take turns and co-operate with others at preschool, so whenever you get the chance, practise at home. Take turns playing with the same toy and putting pieces into a puzzle; or why not try working co-operatively when, for example, hanging out the washing - you take out the clothes and your toddler hands you the pegs.
• Learning names Your child won't be expected to be able to read his or her name when he or she enters preschool, but being familiar with what the name looks like, and what letter it starts with can be helpful when so many things at preschool will be labelled with it. Write your toddler's name on art work, on the fridge in magnetic letters, on the chalkboard, wherever there is opportunity. Don't pressurise him or her to learn to recognise it at this stage however.
• Packing a lunch box If your child will be taking lunch to preschool, then pick out a nice new lunch box together. A few days before the first day at preschool begin packing his or her lunch into the box and let your toddler eat from it at the kitchen table.
• Begin to share chores If you haven't been asking your child to help with simple chores, then now's the time to begin. Concentrate on tasks that he or she might be asked to undertake at preschool, such as clearing the table, or washing paintbrushes.
• Giving instructions Make following instructions fun - 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 worry if your child doesn't follow the instructions consistently - he or she will probably take the staff at preschool much more seriously than Mom!
• Offer choices Children do have to make some decisions in the classroom. Provide practice by giving your toddler choices whenever possible. For example, "Do you want to play with your teddy or your building blocks?" "Do you want cereal or toast for breakfast?"
• Provide structure If your days tend to be of the spontaneous, unstructured kind, then begin 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 structured day.
• Socialising Arrange plenty of play dates in the weeks before preschool begins to increase your child's confidence with other children. But don't overdo it - your child may grow tired of socialising before school even starts!

Remember - starting preschool should be a positive experience. If your preschool runs an adjustment period in which parents and caregivers can participate, then by all means do so, it will help your child settle into this strange new environment. When the time does come to leave, don't sneak off without saying good-bye, even if this means tears. Be sure to tell your child when you'll be back - and keep that promise. Leave with a smile on your face that tells your toddler you're confident that she or he is going to have a great time!

Article Published: Thursday 11th October 2007