Preparing Children for Kindergarten
Kindergarten is an exciting time of exploration for children as they start to gain a sense of independence and self-confidence. As children are excited, they also tend to be a little afraid. Starting school means a change in their daily lives and having to learn new surroundings, people, and rules. For parents and au pairs, there are a lot of small things that you can do at home to help give a child the best possible start when entering school.
Although school curriculums may vary, general goals focus on children building strong pre-reading skills, practicing letter formation, enhancing listening and communication skills as well as acquiring an active interest in the world. It is also important to talk openly about school and tell children stories about your most enjoyable moments at school.
Here are eight ways to prepare your child for kindergarten:
1) Reading Every Day: One of the most important activities you can do with a child is help them develop their language and reading skills. Reading is not limited to story books, but you can practice reading with children anywhere! Whether it be in the grocery store, walking to the park or even in car rides, helping children learn to read and understand language will make a significant impact as they enter kindergarten. If you are an au pair, giving children the gift of cultural exchange and exposing them to another language and culture is an unforgettable experience. Now, this doesn’t mean all children will become bilingual, but it will help develop their language skills overall.
2) Develop Fine Motor Skills: Learning to hold a pencil or crayon can be difficult if the child has little practice. Using all different sizes of crayons, pencils or markers allows them to learn the difference in grips without even thinking about it. Another aspect that will give children an advantage in kindergarten is starting to learn the alphabet and trying to write their own name. Using the pencil/crayon to write their name will help develop those fine motor skills and can help them in other areas, such as reading.
3) Build Self Esteem: Praising a child often for their successes helps them build confidence which will allow their creativity and mind to explore new things without fear. Remember, a curious child’s questions reflect their cognitive and emotional development.
4) Social Skills: Making sure your child is comfortable introducing themselves and reciting their name will give them an advantage on the first day of school when meeting other children. Promote your child's social development by introducing them to new activities or special outings with friends. Encourage your child to share, express their feelings and practice taking turns in all situations.
5) Creating a Routine: Developing a routine for a child can give them a sense of security and help them develop self-discipline. Children will learn to brush their teeth, pack their backpacks and more, without constant reminders because it becomes integrated into their daily routine. A child will love being in charge of themselves as they become more independent. This feeling increases their sense of mastery and competence as well.
6) Set Goals: It is important to set goals with children. Whether it be doing an activity for a certain amount of time to extend their attention span or completing a certain number of chores gives children a sense of accomplishment.
7) Ask Questions: Instead of always giving a child the answers to a problem or question, ask them another question instead. Allow them to explore ways of correcting themselves rather than being given the answer. This teaches children to try and find a solution to problems themselves, rather than always getting help.
8) Rules/Guidelines: Paying attention and following directions are skills that build upon themselves. Give your child responsibilities at home, such as assigning chores to complete independently. These kinds of chores include setting the table, helping with the laundry or unloading safe items from the dishwasher. Also, visiting local museums or stores in your area allows for teaching rules and guidelines. You can work with them on waiting their turn, using inside voices and other important rules they may encounter in kindergarten.
By working as a team and helping each other every step of the way, we can ensure that the first day of school is a time of happiness, excitement, and enthusiasm for children. Encourage your child to talk about their experiences with you, give them a safe space to discuss what they loved as well as what they didn’t enjoy.