When my kids started school, I realized that I had to do something to keep them challenged. I started focusing on talking with my kids each and every day to see what they learned and how I could help, and it really started to make a difference. We focused on finding programs that were interesting and challenging for our children, and it helped them to blossom when they were in school. Within a few short months, we could see a serious difference in our kids, just because we had guided them towards the right coursework. Check out this blog for more information.
Choosing Better Programs For Your Kids
How To Prepare Your Child For Their First Day Of A Montessori Child Care Center
Penny Brown
How can you prepare your preschooler for Montessori child care? Take a look at the top answers to first-day questions many parents have.
Learn More About the School
Is your child nervous about the start of preschool? Some level of anxiety is completely normal for children of this age (or any age). Your child doesn't know what to expect and needs more information to feel comfortable with their new learning environment.
Ease your child's anxiety with a tour of the school. After they see the school setting, spend time talking to their new teacher or meeting some of the students. Montessori daycare centers use a multi-age approach to the classroom setup. This means some of the children who are in the preschool room now may stay in the same group next school year.
Talk About the School at Home
Does your child have questions about their new early education environment? Even though they may feel unsure, your preschooler may have a difficult time expressing their emotions. Talk about the day care center and what your child should expect.
If your child doesn't open up immediately, don't worry. Offer a few conversation starters or ask open-ended questions (questions that your child can't answer with a simple yes or no) such as, "What do you think you'll do in preschool?" or, "What do you think you'll like about your new Montessori school?"
Encourage Independence Before School Starts
The Montessori classroom is a child-led environment that helps young learners to build independence and self-reliance skills. You don't need to wait until the first day of school to set expectations of independence.
Encourage your child to take charge of their own daily activities—within reason. Instead of helping them to pick out clothes, let your child make their own choices. The same goes for dressing and feeding themselves.
Ask the Educator
The child care center teacher has years of experience helping young learners adjust to their new educational environment. If you're not sure how to prepare your preschooler for their first day of child care, talk to their new teacher.
Make the First Day Fun
Preschool isn't a chore. Your child should feel a sense of excitement about their first day of Montessori preschool. Even though they may have some anxiety, they should also look forward to this new educational adventure. Ask your child to help you cook a special first-day breakfast, sing their favorite songs on the way to school, or create your own secret school handshake.
To learn more, contact a child care center near you.
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