Having a child begin preschool for the first time can be a scary prospect. Especially if you are relatively new to the parenting world, you may be getting a bit nervous as August approaches, wondering how to prepare your child for preschool. The good news is that many kids adapt quite easily to a school environment – they love getting outside the house to play with other children and truly enjoy the learning process. Some kids may take longer to come out of their shells, but in the end most children wind up their first year of preschool with several more playmates, a healthy sense of independence, and a serious crush on their teachers. That said, changing from home to the structured atmosphere of a preschool will be hard for both you and your child at first. Simply knowing how to prepare your child for preschool can help you avoid tears and fights and encourage a smooth, pleasant period of transition.  You Are Your Child’s First Teacher: Remember this! A child’s success in the school environment is irrevocably entwined with the amount of support and education they are receiving at home. A child raised in a loving environment is more likely to adapt easily to new situations, respect teachers and peers, and open themselves up to learning. Your baby’s preschool teacher will impart important information and broaden his mind, but in the end, it is you he is watching most closely. Parents are setting the example he will follow. If you show enthusiasm for reading, he will too. If you take advantage of everyday opportunities to learn new things, he or she will also develop a healthy, lifelong curiosity that will serve him well throughout his academic journey.  Preschool Activities: If you are concerned about your child’s academic readiness for preschool, there are several … [Read more...]