A child sees a major transition from preschool to primary school, and this becomes a significant milestone in a child’s life. This transition prepares the child for the beginning of a new learning environment and introduces them to new rules, responsibilities and expectations. This positive transition helps the child to accept the academic change and also contributes to the child’s emotional well-being and overall confidence.
As a parent, educators, and caregivers, we must ensure that this transition is smooth as it opens the gate for lifelong learning. Let’s see some of the practical tips to make this process easy.
1. Developing Their Social Skills
Social skills are crucial for anyone, and for children entering primary school, we must make them learn how to interact with peers in the classroom, group activities or community events. Teaching them how to share their thoughts, take turns and resolve minor conflicts independently, and learning through these experiences makes children feel more confident and connected when they start primary school.
2. Make a Bedtime and Wake-Up Routine
The transition from a flexible schedule of preschool to a structured routine of primary school can be challenging for any child. If we make a habit of going to bed at a particular time and waking up on time a month before primary school starts, it will help the child to adopt the routine easily, and ensure the child gets enough sleep to be alert and focused in the classroom.
3. Making Them Responsible and Accountable
Introducing a child to some responsibilities and accountabilities like packing their school bag, organizing their toys or setting the table for meals helps the child to develop a sense of independence and make them familiar with these activities which will help them during school hours. These practices are encouraged highly in pre-primary or early childhood education.
4. Develop a Habit of Reading
Reading is a habit that develops over time; it grooms the overall fundamental skill that will be central to a child’s learning journey. Parents can spend time reading with their child daily to develop this habit and ask questions and discuss the conclusion once the chapter is done. This encourages them to understand the words and helps them with not only literal skills but also their imagination power and curiosity. Transitional kindergarten focuses on building reading skills early in children to form a habit.
5. Encourage Independence
Primary school often requires a child to perform independently, teaching them basic self-help skills such as tying shoelaces, buttoning their shirts, opening their tiffin and eating without assistance. Gradually increase their responsibility, like filling their water bottle on their own, packing their belongings or choosing their outfits to build confidence and autonomy. This independence is the core of pre primary and following early childhood education years.
6. Parents Must Communicate With Teachers
Parents and teachers must have open communication; it is essential for a smooth transition. Both teacher and parent must stay informed about the child’s progress and if the child is facing any difficulty parents must communicate with the teacher. Attending parent-teacher meetings is a must and both sides address the concerns promptly. Teachers can help by providing valuable insights into your child’s adjustment and learning journey. If you’re considering school admissions in Mumbai, ensure that you maintain clear communication with school authorities to facilitate a smooth enrollment process.
Conclusion
The change frompre-primary to primary school is quite a huge shift. The thoughtful curriculum that not just educates but also makes children independent thinkers is the focus. Parents in Mumbai often face the challenge of selecting the bestschools in Malad West Mumbaibecause of the large number of options available. When looking for a school that is tailored to your child’s needs, it is crucial to considerpre-schools in Mumbai or schools that offer strong early childhood education programs.
