5 Tips For Parents To Help Your Child Get The Most Out Of Preschool

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Every parent wants their child to succeed, and many give them a great head start on their educational journey by sending them to preschool. However, simply sending your child off for an extra, early dose of education isn't enough to guarantee that they'll have an easier time in elementary school. Here are 5 tips to help your child get the most out of their preschool experience, so they can go on to have a great elementary school education.

Choose your preschool wisely

When it comes to providing a quality educational experience, not every preschool is created equal. It can be confusing trying to choose between child care centers that offer preschool classes, and dedicated preschools that are accredited. Some daycares do offer exceptional preschool curriculum that will help prepare your child for school, but almost all accredited preschools will do that, too.

Accredited preschools are held to higher standards when it comes to things like health and safety, educational curriculum, and staff training. While choosing an accredited preschool doesn't always guarantee that you'll be choosing the best fit for your child, it will help ensure that you are getting a high-quality level of care and education. 

Consider your child's individual needs

Before placing your child in a preschool class, make sure it's a good fit for your child's personal needs as well as their educational ones. Are the classes very large, limiting the amount of one-on-one time your child will get with their teachers? Are the lessons engaging and interesting, so your child will want to learn? Ask if you can observe the class in action before determining whether to send your child there. If the children seem happy and motivated to learn, it's a good sign that the school is doing a great job preparing the kids for elementary school.

Some children may benefit from bringing a transitional object to preschool, at least for the first few weeks. A favorite toy, blanket, or even a photograph of the family can help your child settle into the school environment more easily. If the preschool won't allow these things, you may want to consider whether they will be too strict to be a good match for your child.

Communicate often with your child's teachers

If your child has worries or concerns about preschool, let the teachers know. It's important to have a good relationship with the teachers who'll be spending so much time influencing your child's education. Let them know if your child has any problems, concerns, likes, or dislikes that could affect learning. Most teachers are happy to send daily updates if you request them, so you can see how your child is coping with preschool. 

Keep the learning going on at home

Help your child practice what they're learning at school when they get home. Read aloud to them, pointing out letters that they might recognize, and let them enjoy being read to. You don't have to recreate a school environment at home, in fact, the less rigid the "practice" is, the better. Just try to make learning fun so your child will want to go to preschool every day, and you'll be setting them up for a better elementary school experience, too.

Get involved

Ask about volunteer opportunities at your child's preschool. Helping out in the classroom will allow you to see exactly what your child's day looks like, and having a parent in class can be a lot of fun for your preschooler. Many preschools are glad to have extra help in class, but if you can't find the time to lend a hand in this way, ask if there are other ways you can help. Being involved with your child's preschool sends a message to your child that education is important, and you may find that you really enjoy the experience, too.

Preschool years go by quickly, and before you know it, your little one will be heading off to "big kid" school. Make the most of your child's preschool experience, so they'll be ready to learn when it's time for elementary school.

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3 March 2015

Developing Hidden Talents

As a child in elementary school, I excelled in certain areas. For starters, I was a literary person; so, I enjoyed writing and speaking in front of other students in class. I was also musical. I participated in singing events at school and took piano lessons during school hours. Thankfully, my parents encouraged me to develop my talents at an early age. I was also fortunate to attend a school that fostered this type of growth in its students through extracurricular activities and a diverse curriculum. If you have a young student who is struggling to find his or her way at school, talk with a teacher and determine what he or she is good at. Work with the teacher to develop these strengths. On this blog, you will learn how your child can develop hidden talents in elementary school.