When the time is right for your child to begin a nursery or preschool program, you want him to be ready. How can you help your child prepare? Put away the workbooks there are no academic skills necessary for entering preschool. But that doesn t mean you can t help your child prepare for this experience in other ways.
Being part of a larger group takes some getting used to for children who are accustomed to being the center of your attention. You can help your child learn how to be social by helping him practice the concept of sharing. You might also provide opportunities for being with other children in playgroups or at the neighborhood playground; this will help him learn how to play, take turns, and communicate bally instead of physically.
To get along with his teacher, your child will have to know how to follow directions. Give him a chance to practice this skill at home by playing Simon Says type games in which he follows your lead. Move on to more direct forms of instruction by asking him to complete a simple task, such as getting his shoes from the closet. When he has the idea of doing as you ask (when you ask it) help him learn how to clean up after himself; direct him to put away his toys; tell him to clear his papers off the kitchen table and put them where they belong. Be persistent and don t cave in and do it yourself; at preschool the teacher can t clean up after every child. Your child will be better prepared for school if he knows how to follow his teacher s instructions. Your child will also have a head start in school if he has learned to be aware of his surroundings with all his senses. You can play games at home that will encourage him to really see, hear, smell, taste, and touch. When he looks at a tree ask him what he sees; in out that a tree has leaves, and branches, and bark, and height, and shape. Ask him to describe what he hears when his eyes are closed; learning to listen carefully is a valuable skill.
Try to schedule the interview for a time of day when your child is most likely to be well rested and not too cranky Also choose comfortable clothes rather than a new and potentially scratchy outfit. As difficult as it might be for you, don t show any anxiety or communicate any sense that the meeting is overly important. You can familiarize your child with the school beforehand with an informal visit and you can explain some of the things that are likely to occur, such as telling your child that a teacher will meet him and ask him to play with some other children. Don t try to drill him on his knowledge of colors or shapes or any other skill you think will impress the school personnel.
Keep in mind that you re looking for a good match between your child and the school instead of looking to get your child into a particular preschool. The right preschool is the one that will welcome your child because the school is well suited to meet his needs. |
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