Getting Toddlers and Preschoolers Ready for School

Both toddlers and preschoolers can face the same issues when transitioning to another phase of life. From home to a preschool, and then from a preschool to grade school, this change in a child's routine can effect him in a negative way if he is not prepared for it. It is the responsibility of every parent to make sure that their child is ready for preschooling or regular schooling. However, teachers also play an important role in preparing a child for these two levels of education.

Here are some tips on how you as a teacher can prepare Toddlers and Preschoolers to adopt the upcoming changes in their lives. In general, there is not much of a difference between the ways of a toddler and a preschooler therefore the 'how tos' of preparing them for this transition are more or less the same.

Observe the child

This tip won't help prepare the child at first, but it will prepare you in developing a strategy. You need to observe the child and see what he likes to do and what he hates to do. You should know which areas you need to work on before you recommend him to a school. If you think the child is not yet ready for schooling, then you can give him some extra time to work on his weak points.

Develop a class routine

Start asking children to bring in books rather than empty backpacks. Restrict them from meeting their parents and make sure that they have lunch at the same time. Start preparing lesson plans for them so that they get in the practice. All these minor practices really help a child adapt for the upcoming changes. Also advise parents to put him on some strict routines. Ask them to create a sleeping routine for him and not let him wake up whenever he wants. This minor suggestion of yours to the parents can add a great deal to the development of Toddlers and Preschoolers. All in all, the basic point made here is to make the toddler or preschooler used to a life with routines and lesson plans.

Work with children

Of course children can't start reading and writing straight away! What you need to do is to see how easily children can adapt to new practices. Some of children might be difficult and stubborn, whereas some will easily adopt the changes such as the new restrictions, lesson plans, etc

Start imposing some behavioral restrictions

This is the biggest problem teachers usually face. In most cases, toddlers are not used to listening to anyone except for their mothers, and this situation can get worse if the toddler is not prepared for preschool. Teachers and mothers both need to make their children habitual of listening to others by telling them to act upon someone else's words. This way, the toddler will learn to obey other people, and hence would obey teachers at preschool too. Teachers can also teach the child to use certain commands such as 'excuse me' or 'thank you'.

Teachers are like parents to children. It is their responsibility to work on their weak points and prepare them for the stage ahead.

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