The transition to school can be scary for both children and their parents. As a parent, you can help your child be ready for school by helping them develop key skills and habits. Being unprepared for school can cause children to fall behind or become frustrated with the learning process. Here are some strategies to prepare your child for a school environment.
Develop a Daily Reading Habit
Reading with your children every day can be one of the best ways to prepare your child for a classroom experience. Both picture books and word books can help your child increase their vocabulary and learn letters and words. Reading can also develop focus and concentration, which are important skills for later academic success.
Practice Basic Skills
Your child will need daily skills for a successful transition to school. Have your child practice skills such as zipping their coats, tying their shoes, eating with utensils, and using the bathroom. You could also roleplay skills that are used often in school, such as raising their hand to ask a question, writing their names, and using an eraser.
Model Critical Thinking
Critical thinking can encourage independent thinking and help children ask questions and solve problems. Show children how to examine a problem by asking questions and allowing them to suggest solutions. Allow children to test their solutions through discussion, experiments and interactive projects.
Engage in Discussion
Talking with your child about their feelings can help them learn how to process their emotions and verbalize fears. Teach them it is okay to be angry or worried and they can express those feelings using their words. Help your child develop healthy coping strategies for fears, such as deep breathing, guided imagery or drawing.
Encourage Play
Children learn how to create through the process of play. Play is a way for children to imagine new situations and ideas while exploring their environment. Educational toys like puzzles and games can offer learning through play while teaching children new skills. Playing with other children can help them learn new perspectives as they communicate and collaborate with others.
Preparing for school can be a bonding experience for you and your child. Before school starts, introduce your child to their new school by taking your child to play on the school playground. Engage your child in discussions about what they can expect from their new school experience and how they might succeed.
