Social Success at Preschool

Social Success at Preschool

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Besides being the start of formal education, preschool plays a very important role in preparing a child socially to enter kindergarten. Whether your child is shy and uneasy around others or likes to be the center of attention, there are many things you can do at home to get them ready for the first day of preschool and to aid in the development of social skills throughout the school year.

 

Preschool is Paramount

Ideally, children should enter kindergarten socially and emotionally ready for the fast-paced school year, according to Amber Bowling, director of North Canton KinderCare Learning Center.

“That’s why it’s so important children learn social skills — how to express their emotions safely, how to share, how to make friends — before kindergarten,” she says, adding that other important skills learned in preschool include problem solving, rule following, focus and persistence, and self-reflection and impulse control. “Having those social and emotional skills in place before kindergarten sets a foundation for learning: children are able to focus on the lesson and teachers are able to teach without having to pause to wipe tears or break up an argument over a shared book.”

Standard in most preschool programs are activities that build an awareness of children’s feelings, according to Mary Beth Hilborn, director of Early Childhood at Hawken School.

“It is important to begin by building an awareness of feelings — their own and others’ within their social group,” she explains. “Communicating with others about these feelings is the next step through role play scenarios and teacher support when negotiating with a friend.”

Dawn Daniel, preschool director for Open Door Christian Schools, adds that in preschool, other important social skills children learn include waiting their turn, sitting in circle time and sometimes walking in a line.

“They get exposure to working out problems and getting along with others,” she notes. “They also gain important independence skills such as putting on their own coat, serving themselves snack, choosing an activity, etc. Preschool offers so many experiences, because of the group setting, that children often won’t gain by being home alone.”

Easing the Transition

At the beginning of the school year, help ease the transition from home to preschool. Try the following tips:

Visit the school and the teacher, recommends Daniel. “Allow your child to engage in the classroom, know where the restroom is, and make a connection with the staff,” she says.

Read books about school, talk about school and use the teacher’s name frequently, she says.

Send in a family photo on the first day of school, says Daniel, adding, “Knowing that their family is a part of the classroom makes it feel a little more like home.”

Stay positive and build excitement about preschool and all the fun your child will have, Bowling adds.

Create a picture schedule to help your child know what to expect, advises Bowling. “Make sure to cover both home and school activities like going to school, circle time, lunch, nap, going home, dinner, playtime, bath time and bedtime rituals,” she explains. “Review the schedule with your child and help familiarize them with the new routine.”

Getting Ready

There are many things you can do at home to get your child socially ready for preschool.

Daniel, from Open Door Christian Schools, suggests having someone else care
for your child on occasion.

“If a child has never been away from their parents, and suddenly they are dropped off with adults and other children whom they have never met, it could be incredibly overwhelming,” she notes.

Hilborn from Hawken School encourages parents to model appropriate social interaction in their homes by practicing family conversations at dinner, modeling kindness, naming and discussing feelings, and taking turns.

Participate in story time, practice making new friends at the playground, or try new activities at your local zoo or children’s museum, says Bowling from KinderCare. “Encourage your child to interact with other children and model this yourself by chatting with other parents while you’re out and about.”

Foster independence by teaching your child to wash their own hands, put on their own shoes and coat, Bowling adds.

 

About the author

Denise Koeth is Digital Content Manager for Northeast Ohio Parent. She oversees content on the NortheastOhioParent.com website and manages the brand’s social media activity. Denise grew up in Northeast Ohio and she and her husband are currently raising their two boys here.

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