Every year, thousand of Kenyan parents enroll their children in Kindergartens. Most of these children are young and parents are concerned whether the children will be able to cope with the abrupt change of environment. Children adapt to new environment very easily and below are ten tips to help you and your child make the journey into kindergarten a little bit smoother for every person involved.
1. Change of Routine
It’s important to adjust the routine few weeks before the school starts. Daily routine can start earlier than expected. The child can get up early, eat food less frequently and encourage learning activities that will be helpful to the child.
2. Have Optimistic concern
Children report into kindergarten with a wide and diverse skills and knowledge. Even without the knowledge of their where about, you should to be optimistic that he/she will gain the skills required for the upcoming year.
3. Let go of emotions
Sometimes one may experience the feeling of anxiety or unhappiness in relation to your child going to school .Parents should note that the boy or girl will be more comfortable if the parent is happy with the idea of them joining school. It’s usually normal for some children to cry for the first day but the teachers are in a position to handle the situation
4. Parent-Teacher communication is vital
Only the vital enquiry should be made and communication should be appropriate. For the teacher, unless it’s an emergency, notes and newsletter should be used. The parents should attend meeting and make phone calls where necessary. Keeping a folder for important notes and newsletters would make it easy to remember and keep records of any notable event.
5. Take time and talk
Regardless of the busy schedule, the effort to hear your child experience in school is an indication of your support. Asking the child question regarding the day experience will help to determine the progress they are making.
6. Read! Read! Read!
The adventure of learning can be exciting, every time the child learns a new letter, number, word or song; the parents should encourage learning by reading similar things to their children. It could be a story book, song or a simple poem
7. School and Socialization go hand in hand
It’s common to hear your child say how much they love to play with a particular kid. On the other hand it can happen that they are having difficulty with another child. In case of dispute the parent should inquire from the teacher and the other parent shouldn’t be involved, unless where necessarily. If your child speaks about playing with other children or a child, invite them over for a play date. And if permissible, take into account the parent so you can get to know them too.
8. Physical Involvement
I highly recommend you be present at field tours as well as other exceptional school events when you can. Whenever you are engaged at school, you are displaying to your child and his teacher that his education is important to you!
9. Avoid negative discussions
Children are innocent; a child will say the exact words they heard. In case of any dissatisfaction with the school, the parent should face the school administration other than discuss the issue with their children. Do not fret about grades in kindergarten or pre-primary school. Use grades and evaluations as guides for feedback on which areas to work on at home for improvement. But do not let them stress you out
10. Schooling is Fun!
It’s important to understand that school and learning should be fun and exciting. Nervousness over small issues is likely to make situations needlessly stressful. Make use of your child’s natural curiosity as well as thrill concerning studying new things and the year in the kindergarten will certainly be a success.
Nearly all children adjust very well to kindergarten. Approach the year with eagerness and excitement and your child is likely to follow your lead. It will not be long before you begin to realize the transition to kindergarten is as easy as ABC!
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