Preschool readiness generally means how much your kid is ready to go to school. It can be a preschool, a kindergarten, an Early Learning Centre (ELC) or any other provision. It is kind of a to-do list where you can check how much certain skills your children must have that can make their kindergarten experience less bumpy and how much they can blend in that environment. You see, today’s world of schooling is way smarter than ours. With the advancement in science and technology, the children are growing smarter and better at using technology.
Some skills that you should teach your children:
- Learn about the world and the environment- They can be taught about different objects, vehicles, animals, plants and other basic, common things.
- They can help themselves when needed- They can dress up, go to the toilet, wash their hands, carry their bags etc. with your guidance.
- Listening – They can be taught to develop a habit of listening with a certain degree of attention.
- Voicing their needs- They can learn to speak about their needs and discomforts without hesitation.
- Socializing- They can learn to be around other children with ease and play with them without being uncomfortable.
- Curiosity- They can be provided with an environment where they feel the confidence and willingness to ask questions and build their knowledge.
- Basic academic knowledge- Learning how to use pencil and eraser, writing and reading letters, one digit numbers, counting them, recognizing and writing their name.
- Gross motor and basic fine motor skills- They are able to walk, sit, run, jump and stand properly, also they can grab things, pour water, and lift little weights and can do similar things.
- Imagination- They should always be encouraged to talk about their own ideas, stories and games, etc.
- Independence and responsibility- They can gradually learn to spend some time without their parents. They can be involved in decision making, especially about themselves for instance, what they like to wear for a party, what they want for lunch on Sunday, etc.
Here is a checklist that you can use to make sure that your children got everything they need:
What you can do to help your children build learning skills:
- Talk to them about things, tell them stories, take them to different places and show them various things.
- Spend quality time with them, listen to them what they think, encourage them to ask questions.
- Play with them and also teach them basic rules and manners in the house; reward them if they follow it.
- Teach them basic safety measures. Make them aware of their body and how much is okay for someone to touch them.
- Teach them how to be vocal, how they can speak up about their problems and needs.
Teaching the basic skills before the child starts going to school is crucial in their method of adjustment. When the child is informed about the changes and the basic manners and the coping mechanisms are discussed with them. Then it becomes easier for the child to acclimatize to the new environment.
