5 Learnings to Remember before Your Toddler Begins School

You have been anticipating and preparing for this moment since your little one was born - the day you proudly send her off to school! Subconsciously and sometimes even intentionally you have attempted to prepare your child for the big step. All parents want to make sure their children receive the best of everything. A firm foundation opens up a world of possibilities and as parents you want to make sure your child’s beginning is just ‘right’.

But, before you start ticking off schools from your list, know and be sure that your child is ready. Ready to move on to bigger and more interactive surroundings. Though, pre-schools are comparatively less hectic than big, formal schools – it’s a big change for your tiny tot. From a sheltered, I-can-call-ma-anytime environment to a bustling, who-will-help-me-in-the-loo situation; children might be a little taken aback with the sudden change. Here are a few things that can help make the process slightly smooth for your child.

Encourage independence in your child

Children love being appreciated and a little encouragement when they manage things on their own goes a long way in building their confidence. You can start with small things such as keeping toys back in the cupboard after play, zipping a bag and handling simple clothing fasteners. When your little one completes these tasks on his own, not only will it make him independent but will also instill confidence to take up more tasks.

Strengthen communication and social skills

This may be slightly tricky but will help your child to a great extent in the pre-school setting. Let your child communicate and tell you what she needs rather than fulfilling the need before. Parents know and understand their children so well that at times they tend to give the child what they need before the child can ask for it! 

But slowly, let your child take the lead and express himself. You will see that it strengthens social skills and lets your child feel comfortable in big gatherings and formal settings. You can also arrange a number of play dates before school begins to further strengthen social skills such as sharing and taking turns. If your little one is an introvert, this practice will help him in making himself heard when required.

Streamline physical energy with creative outlets

Your child’s physical energy and restlessness sometimes takes you by surprise! You also wonder if this will affect and come in the way of ‘learning’. But notice how excited your child is when he’s outside- discovering and exploring a new world or when during play she learns something new! Try directing this physical energy towards activities that your child enjoys. If your child likes high-energy games, you can teach him a sport; if your little one loves colours and has painted your house into a rainbow– sit down with her and help her create something. There are various creative avenues and ideas that can help channelize your child’s energy and curiosity.

Inspire reading and storytelling

Stories take children on a journey across new worlds, concepts and ideas! Reading as a habit not only enhances language skills but also inculcates in a child the will to question, discover and explore. With each reading session, let your child take the lead, let her pick the stories, handle the books and you will notice how seamlessly reading becomes a part of her routine. Reading builds awareness, piques curiosity and opens a new world of imagination – everything that will help your child make the best of her pre-school years!

Instill organisation and structuring

Kids have a lot of information pouring in from myriad directions at all times. All this information keeps them very busy and at times can cause thorough confusion! Help make things easier for the little one and at the same time, instill organizational skills and structure. You will be surprised to know how quickly your little one grasps new concepts and ideas. From tidying up the room to segregating toys to making their own schedules – discuss with your child and you will slowly notice how openly they accept schedules and rules that are helpful rather than inhibiting.

It’s natural for parents to be eager to get their child enrolled in a pre-school, but do keep in mind the child’s readiness. Social skills, creativity and curiosity are essential and core aspects of a child’s early learning years. Academic and structured learning might be integral to every school’s teaching module but don’t push your child towards the same. Learning is a never ending process and who knows the art of learning better than a child? 

Disclaimer: This article is a special contribution by the team at WonderBoxx who design age-specific hands on learning tools for children. For more details, visit Wonderboxx

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