Learning is fun, but it’s also a long process that starts long before your child walks into their first school. The best way to ensure your child has a great start to learning is by preparing them as early as possible. Starting as early as possible can help your child get used to learning, and it also allows you to go through learning with your child. This way, you can be their guide and help them accomplish their goals.
If you’re ready to start learning about the world of early childhood education and kindergarten, keep reading! We’ll give you a guide to getting your child ready for school, whether you’re a parent who’s thinking about homeschooling, or a teacher who wants to get the most out of your early learners.
What is early learning?
Early learning is the process of teaching children the basics, especially while they’re still young. While there are many advantages to learning when you’re young, there are also many advantages to learning at a mature age. Having kids start school as early as possible is one way to take advantage of both age groups. Studies have shown that early learning can have some incredible results. Children who start school at a young age tend to have better academic achievement and are less likely to be on public assistance in their 30s.
How long does it take to prepare your child for school?
The amount of time it takes to get your child ready for school will depend on a number of factors. Some of these factors include the age of your child, their current developmental level, and their interests. Depending on these factors, you may have between a few months to a year to get your child ready for school. However, you can also get started as early as six months!
What should you be thinking about before your child starts school?
Before you send your child off to school, you’ll want to make sure they’re ready. This may seem obvious, but it’s actually pretty important. There are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind before you send your child to school.
-
What are your child’s strengths, weaknesses, and interests? Knowing this can help identify areas where your child may need more support and what they should spend their time on. If your child is particularly strong in maths or reading, for example, you may want to make sure their teacher knows this.
-
How do you want your child to grow? When you send your child off to school, you may want them to grow in certain ways. This is especially important if your child is entering a specific program, such as an honours class or a gifted and talented program.
Make learning fun and memorable
One of the best ways to get your child excited about learning is to make it fun and memorable. Getting your child excited about learning will help them get a lot more out of their education. It can also help your child enjoy school more. One of the best ways to do this is by using hands-on activities. Having your child use their hands in a meaningful way will help spark their imagination and get them excited about learning. It can also help your child understand the world around them.
Another great way to make learning enjoyable for your child is by getting them involved in clubs and activities. Getting your child involved in clubs and activities will help them learn how to work as a team, build relationships with other people, and learn how to manage their time. Finally, one of the best things to do is watching educational shows together. Watching shows like Sesame Street, The Land of OOO, and Doc McStuffins can help your child get excited about learning, and it can also help your child understand different cultures and ideas.
Making Friends and Socialising
Preparing for school also means learning to make friends and socialise. As important as it is to teach children literacy skills, it’s also important to ensure that they can have a good social life at school. Play between a toddler and their parents can give them a chance to practice accepting new ideas as a natural consequence of social interaction.
Another thing parents can do is to help them prepare by looking for signs of anxiety and address them. Take at least a week before school to familiarise themselves with the school. Believe it or not, this can go a long way. It’ll be much easier to make friends in a comfortable and familiar environment rather than a new and stressful one.
P.S. Keep in mind to lightly supervise playdates. This is to avoid having bad behaviours accidentally reinforced during the playdate.
Final Words
Early learning, kindergarten, and preparing for school might not always be a smooth process. Sometimes, unexpected things can happen and you might feel a little overwhelmed. Just stop for a second and take a breath. The solution is often right in front of you.
Skoebi-do Childcare is one of the best Parent’s Partners in Bali. We provide a loving and caring environment, as well as proper facilities to maximise children’s growth and potential. Need help with preparing your children for early learning and kindergarten? Talk to us!