While your child will gain a great deal of knowledge in school, there is a lot to learn before entering the classroom. Start with these 3 concepts to help prepare your child.
1. Socialization
It’s very important for children to develop social skills before entering the classroom. They will be taught and encouraged to interact with other children in an appropriate way.
Manners should be one of the first concepts a child learns before going to school. Teaching positive behaviors such as sharing and being considerate of other people’s feelings can go a long way in the classroom. Role play at home to help the child adjust to these behaviors.
How to communicate is also a crucial lesson, especially while playing with others. Encourage your child to talk about their feelings instead of resorting to negative behaviors like hitting, biting or screaming. If any of these behaviors occur, there should be disciplinary action that shows the child it’s not acceptable to act this way.
2. Independence
One of the hardest parts of children starting school is being separated from their parents. Teaching them to be independent can make the transition easier! Start with simple tasks like learning to zip up their coat or tie their shoes to help build confidence. Yet make sure they know it’s okay to ask for help when needed.
A few weeks before school starts, get your child adjusted to a typical school day routine. At the basic level, this should include waking up and going to bed at the same time every day.
You might also assign times throughout the day for reading, playing and picking up after themselves to give them an idea of what to expect in a structured classroom setting.
3. Learning
Get your child excited to learn! Enthusiasm can be easy to encourage at a young age, when there are so many new things to discover. Keep your child curious by regularly introducing new concepts and having open discussions for questions they have about school.
Maintain a positive attitude towards the subject of learning. If the child has older siblings, they can help spark some excitement about school from their own experiences.
Is your child getting ready to start school? To find out more about our programs, contact Carrier Academy of Learning today.