Starting preschool marks the first step in your child’s education. As a teacher, I know parents worry whether their child is ready for preschool. From both my experience and research, I found that there are 10 things a child should know before preschool.
10 things a child should know before preschool:
- Being Curious
- Being Independent
- Being Organize
- Being Social
- Reading and Writing Readiness
- Emotional Readiness
- Potty Training
- Communication Skills
- Expose in the Basics
- Know Basic Information
Knowing these things will prepare your child for preschool. It will help them adjust to the new environment. Continue reading to find out how these 10 things can help your child.
1. Being Curious
Curiosity can help foster their desire for knowledge. They will be willing to learn new things. This way your child will not be uninterested in preschool.
Also, curiosity can inspire creativity. With this foundational mindset your child will naturally explore the artistic side.
Importantly, a curious mind opens up questioning and learning, which are important academic skills.
To foster curiosity, take your child to a museum or an aquarium. These places are full of novelty and thought-provoking experiences.
2. Being Independent
Encourage your child to be independent. Independence is a must for kids. This is important because you will not be beside your child all the time.
To develop your child independence, allow space for your child to learn from their successes as well as their mistakes. Do not step in to solve every challenge your child encounters. Let them stand up on their own, and with some guidance from you.
Encourage simple independence behavior at home, such as basic self-care, like hand washing and nose wiping. Practice them at home. So your child can apply them when in preschool.
Do not expect your child to be independent overnight. Your child will take time in warming up to things like this. Be patient with them and guide them always.
3. Being Organize
Teach your child how to organize. Start with simple activity, such as keeping their clothes and toys organized in their rooms. Encourage your child to practice cleanliness and organization in whatever the opportunities arise.
One way of guiding your child to be organized is to make it fun. Use colorful baskets, or use a clean-up song until everything is neat and clean. Keep it fun, and this will motivate them to practice organization on their own.
A common teaching moment will be after playing with toys. Get your child into the habit of cleaning up after using the toys. Use praise to encourage your child for positive behavior.
4. Being Social
The ability to socialize will be important for your child’s wellbeing. You will need to teach your child to have good manners and mix well with others. These skills will help them build relationships and character.
A huge part of preschool is about socialization. This is a time where they have the chance to interact with many other children. Being able to socialize is important.
A great way to encourage your child’s social skill is going on playdates. This way your child can learn about sharing and taking turns. This is the most natural way of learning to socialize.
Other simple social skills such as manners can be taught early on. For example, it can be as simple as saying “thank you” and “please”. This teaches your child courtesy and respect.
5. Reading and Writing Readiness
Your child does not need to know how to write and read before preschool. While so, they should have some reading and writing readiness. This will help your child get used to preschool faster.
A good starting point before preschool is being able to recognize letters. Additionally, you can ensure your child is also familiar with the sound of letters. These will help to transition into writing and reading in preschool.
6. Emotional Readiness
Emotional readiness is important for your child’s well-being in preschool. It is necessary to guide your child to identify and process emotions in a healthy and good manner. This means letting your child express strong emotions. Do not devalue them by saying ‘you are such a baby.’
7. Potty Training
Potty training may be hard, and can be a complex process.
It is best to ask the preschool first of their potty training policy, as some preschools have different policies.
Make sure your child is ready for potty training. If they are not yet ready, do not force them. But they should know how to use the toilet.
Observe your child first and their disposals. If your child managed to keep their diaper dry for an hour, then your child is likely ready to begin training.
Preschools should be willing to help in the potty training process. You must let them know about your child’s potty skills. They can help support your child as they become more consistent in this area.
8. Communication Skills
Communication skills are critical for school success. There are many ways and opportunities in developing your child’s language skills.
One way of developing their communication skills is to talk to them more. Chat with your child about anything like how their day went or what they want to do. It can help them widen their vocabulary by introducing expressions and new words.
Your child will learn more from their observations. You should show your child what you want them to learn. Also, they learn a lot from things they have interest in.
9. Expose in the Basics
Before preschool, you must expose your child to the basics. Teach them colors, numbers, and the alphabet. Singing counting songs and pointing out numbers and letters in the streets can help.
Go to science museums or parks to make it more fun for them. They should not feel bored and overwhelmed with the information that you give. Allow your child to learn at their own pace.
10. Know Basic Information
Before entering preschool, let your child know the basic information. Teach your child what their full name is, their parent’s name, their phone numbers, and your address. Show them how to dial the numbers in a toy phone while saying the numbers out loud.
Also, make sure she knows about their allergies, if your child has one. Make sure they have information about that in a bracelet or note card. Tell them the importance of these things.
It will be beneficial for them in case something bad happens. They will have the basic information to tell the authorities. Or when they get lost, they can tell the person in authority the information.
Importance of Knowing These Things
When entering preschool, your child must have the above basic skills and knowledge. It will give your child a smooth transition and adjustments to preschool. Being prepared will prevent your child from feeling overwhelmed with the changes in their lives. Through your child’s preparedness you and others can also feel a sense of ease.
Your Child
Your child will have an advantage when taught these things. They will not feel a culture shock when significant changes happen in preschool.
Teachers
The teacher will not have a hard time handling your child. Teachers already have a lot on their plate. They handle many preschoolers with different characteristics.
With your child knowing these things, teachers will focus more on other preschoolers. This will help them to focus their time on those who need more attention.
Parents
Knowing that your child has these skills, you will feel more relaxed. You will have that sense of assurance that your child will be okay in preschool. You will be confident of your child’s ability to handle and thrive in their new environment.
Related Questions
Can childhood affect my child’s growth? Childhood is the foundation of how a child can become. During this period, their habits and traits are built up.
How can I encourage my child to pick up good habits and traits? It is simple, by showing them the traits that you want them to copy. Children imitate the things that elders do. Show them what you want them to be.
