When you are ready to send your little one to a child care center, you may be wondering what you can do to make the transition from home to preschool easier. In addition to adjusting to their new environment, you want your young child to be open and receptive to the learning games, activities, and classes they will be participating in. Turn to the four tips below to reinforce what your child is learning during the day.
Working Together
Learning how to work together during group activities is a skill that your child will use well into their adulthood. The best way to reinforce this skill is to create activities at home that require at least one other child to participate in. This goes beyond simply playing with other children, but by participating in an activity where each child has a specific set of responsibilities. If you do not have other young children at home, schedule a play date where you host a fun-filled activity that requires teamwork. This could be something as simple as arts and crafts, playing a musical instrument, or decorating cookies.
Taking Ownership
Another valuable skill your child can learn at home contributing to their success at their childcare center is the importance of taking ownership. This includes taking pride in their work, doing what they said they would do, and being on time. You can teach ownership to even small children by giving them simple chores around the house; such as putting all their toys in the toy box before they can go out to play, cleaning up after the pets, or even walking the dog in the yard each day.
Consequences And Accountability
As a parent, you must teaching your child about consequences and accountability from a young age. This at-home lesson should begin as soon as your child is old enough to learn the word “no.” Whether the consequence for not listening is a time-out, canceled plans, or less playtime with their favorite toys—this is a lesson you must teach your child early so that they will be more receptive to their teacher’s discipline. On the flip side, do not forget to reward your child for a job well done.
Comprehension
Comprehension goes beyond reading with your children.Reading plays a vital role in understanding and further developing your child’s level of comprehension. After you read your child one of their favorite books, or watch a movie or TV show—help develop their comprehension by asking simple questions. The questions could be related to the names of the characters, how the characters are related, and as they get older—even the moral of the story. Consider taking things one step further to discuss what they liked and did not like about the characters or storyline, and how they would change the story if they could.
The four tips above are designed to ensure that your young children are prepared for learning in their childcare center, and also to support the lessons and skills they are learning during the day. The great news is, you can teach these lessons and skills in fun-filled and creative ways—without your little ones being the wiser.
Providing your child with a foundation for learning and growth is one of the most valuable things you can do as a parent. Make sure your child is prepared for the academic road ahead by enrolling them in your local Tender Care Learning Centers. Located throughout the Pittsburgh and Connecticut area, Tender Care Learning Centers provide your child with essential life skills and lessons to help them grow. Give your child a solid foundation for learning from a young age; enroll them in your local Tender Care Learning Centers today!
