Adapting to kindergarten is an exciting and challenging time, not just for children but for their parents as well. New environment, impressions, events, friends, changed daily routines, and more is expecting not only the little one, when starting kindergarten, but also parents. For adaptation and adjustment time for kindergarten to be full of joy for children and peaceful for parents, we invite you to prepare for it!
Read the article and learn valuable tips on both the adaptation process and what the best age is for a child to go to kindergarten, and why Montessori approach can be more child-friendly when starting kindergarten!
At what age is it best for a child to start going to kindergarten?
Often children start kindergarten at 1.5 when their mother has to go back to work. However, the best age for starting kindergarten is believed to be around 2.5, as the child has then reached some maturity, realised, who the mother, father and the rest of the family are, as well as is able to tell his or her feelings and thoughts. Then it is time to start kindergarten, too!
Tips for the adaptation process
1. Visit kindergarten in advance
Before the official start of kindergarten, visit the child's kindergarten, familiarise them with the rooms, doors through which they will have to walk, the environment and the playground. It will help the child feel more comfortable and secure, as the environment will be familiar by now.
2. Talk about kindergarten
Engage in child's conversations about kindergarten - discuss what the child will do in the kindergarten, that there will still be other children there to study and play with, about nurseries and everyday routines. Remove all the potential concerns and provide confidence that attending kindergarten will be a joyous time!
3. Creates a routine
To make the adaptation process in kindergarten worry-free for the child, and with a pre-known order, create a daily routine that reflects the kindergarten schedule - follow the learning, play and rest times, as well as regular meals, as this will help the child adapt to the daily routines they will experience in kindergarten.
4. Play “pretend to be in kindergarten”
Encourage kids to play a variety of kindergarten everyday situations in their role games that they may encounter, such as taking off and putting down their clothes, adhering to play and learning times, ordering toys, self-catering, etc. These actions will boost the child’s confidence in predictable routines in kindergarten, as well as relieve stress.
5. Contact parents of future group members
Arrange a play meeting with group members who will attend the same kindergarten and group. This joint meeting and dating will help kids get friends before starting kindergarten gatherings, reducing shyness and excitement about the child not knowing anyone.
6. Contact the teacher
Establish contact with the child's educator and share any important information about the child, such as the interests, fears or special needs. Cooperation with the educators will provide a child-friendly environment.
7. Create a farewell ritual
Create a farewell routine by going to a child's kindergarten. It can be cuddling, a farewell kiss, a farewell song or a comforting phrase. Farewell rituals help alleviate the feeling of having to leave your parents, as there will be some sort of arrangement for having a nursery following the farewell ritual and seeing your parents again after it.
8. Be positive and patient
Children perceive parents' emotions, so maintaining a positive attitude towards kindergarten is essential, even if you have anxiety and a little excitement. Be patient and support the child as the child adapts to this new and special phase of the child’s life.
Remember every child adjusts at their own pace. Some may quickly get into kindergarten, while others may find it taking longer. Celebrate children's achievements and encourage their efforts to help them develop on this so important journey of the child's life, the course of kindergarten.
Montessori kindergarten approach
Year after year, the Montessori approach is of increasing interest to parents. It can help the child not only adapt more easily to kindergarten, but also deliver long-term benefits for the child's development. Surely you will ask why choosing Montessori kindergartens?
- Individual learning, as the Montessori method recognises and believes that each child is unique and adapts learning to their pace, ensuring optimum growth and development;
- Practical activities, as classes are equipped with different materials that enhance children's imagination, promote critical thinking and problem-solving skills;
- Freedom limits: Montessori promotes independence and self-discipline by giving children freedom, in a carefully prepared and secure environment where they learn to make choices, cooperate and take responsibility for their actions;
- Certified Montessori educators - PEI “First steps” is one of the few kindergartens staffed by educators with international education in the Montessori approach. Educators form your child's educational pathway, fostering a love for knowledge and developing each child's potential.
Do you to choose a kindergarten with a Montessori approach for your child? We recommend PEI “First steps”. It is a place where each child is helped not only to adapt as the child starts the kindergarten, but also given an individual approach at every step. It should also be stressed that the uniqueness of each child is assessed and developed. Montessori kindergarten “First steps” forms an environment in which children thrive. To learn more and sign up for kindergarten, check out the website Pirmiesoli.lv.
Sign up your child for Montessori kindergarten “First steps” and let the child’s journey of growth and love for knowledge begin!
Foto no PPII “Pirmie Soļi” arhīva