The school environment can be a place of wonder and adventure. But for a young child who is just beginning his school life, the classroom can be a place of torment, tears and unpleasantness.
A child's school experience is largely determined by how well he is prepared for the classroom routines. There are several steps that parents can take to ensure that the child enjoys a smooth transition into the school environment.
Establish a Routine
Most young children are used to performing tasks or activities at their leisure. However, the school environment is quite different. In this environment, children are expected to follow established routines. There is a time for kids to color in their coloring books. The students are expected to have a snack when the teacher tells them it's snack time. They are also told when they should take a nap or when they are allowed to go to the sand box to play. This may be an uncomfortable experience for some children.
To get your child ready for these changes in his daily routine, establish routines at home. If possible, find out what a typical school day is like from his prospective teacher and gradually integrate some of these activities into your child's day.
- Give your child a snack at the same time each day. This will allow him to become accustomed to eating at a regular time, making the adjustment to the school's routine easier.
- Have your child nap at a time that's similar to the school's nap time. Even though he may used to napping. changing the time of the nap will enable the child's body's time clock to adjust so he's prepared to nap at school.
- Reading to your little one may not be new activity, however, reading to him during the day may require him to become used to sitting still to listen to a story. Active children can have a difficult time with this task, so it's beneficial to practice this activity at home.
Preparation for Separation
Separation is one of the most difficult aspects of the school transition. The idea of being away from a parent for any length of time can be emotionally traumatic and often results in the most passionate of reactions. Although the cries and screams may not be completely avoidable, there are some measures that will serve to lessen the child's anxiety.
- Talking with your little one beforehand about the separation will make him aware of what to expect when he goes to school. Communicate with him in the simplest terms. Be prepared to answer questions as candidly as possible so that his experience is not different from his expectations.
- Have a family member take him out periodically so that he becomes accustomed to being away from mom and dad. The time apart can increase incrementally to ease him into the habit of being away from you for lengthy periods.
- Take advantage of the orientation programs run by the school. These programs are intended to help new students to acclimatize to their new surroundings.
Preparation for Socialization
Socializing is one of the skills that your child will be putting into practice at his new school. He will be interacting with several children that he has never met before. He has to learn to share toys and other items which don't belong to him. There will be different situations that he will encounter that will require him to use skills he did not have to use before. These encounters are inevitable and necessary for social development, therefore parental preparation to deal with any eventuality which may occur could go a long way in assisting the child to improve his social skills.
Arrange for play dates with children your child's age. If possible, organize play dates with other children who are in the same classroom. This will help the child to become acquainted with the actual children with whom he will be spending most of the day.
In addition, take your child to parks and playgrounds with the objective of encouraging social interaction with other children.
Academic Preparation
Preparing your child to face the academic challenges at his new school can make this experience more enjoyable for him. This can be done effortlessly and incorporated in any fun activity.
- The ride to the park could become a learning opportunity for your child. Point out the number that might be showing the speed limit so that children can make the connection between the quantity and the symbol.
- The labels on tins and wrappers are good tools which can be used to help your child to recognize letters that go with the sound.
- Use household chores like folding laundry to develop memory skills. Have your little one match pairs of socks, pillow cases or gloves.
Parents play a very important part in preparing the child for his new experience in the classroom. When you make preparations, both parent and child will be well-equipped to face the challenges in the school environment.
Marcia Walker - Hello, I am a teacher, who loves to learn new things. I hope to learn and teach many new things here.
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