The newly born baby comes home to fill the house with joy. For three years or more, the child stays safely in the parents’ presence. They are his only companions and their faces are all that he sees.
The First time Kindergarten is due and the baby is now a “preschooler” not a “toddler” anymore. It is time for his social circle to expand and his skills to be developed academically. It is that phase of life that shapes the future of his/her character for life.
Term Meaning of “Kindergarten”
The term “Kindergarten” is from the German language meaning “The children’s garden”. It was first invented by the German scientist Friedrich Froebel. He used this term to depict the image of the children as “roses” that need water, food, and sun to grow. It also refers to space and the freedom that any child needs to play.
The concept of Froebel is that playing is the key to learning but this should be done professionally. Education in this phase should be joyful, informatic, and gradual.
The ideal Kindergarten
Due to the fact that there are many kindergartens out there, this makes the selection process difficult. Remember that it is worth the time and the effort. Picking the appropriate environment is of prime importance to the success of the kindergarten phase. It will replace the house and the child will be there for long hours.
The education experts listed many aspects that should be taken into consideration when selecting the ideal kindergarten. The location is the first of them all. The facility should be close to home as much as possible. The travel time to/from the kindergarten location should be minimal in order to avoid the fatigue factor. Additionally, it is important for your child to feel that this “new place” is not so far from home.
Good ventilation, the proper class capacity (not more than 20), and the green areas are all very important to the selection process. It is also necessary that a good playing area is there- it is the first thing that will catch your “preschooler’s attention.
Safety is crucial as well. A gated facility with well-trained security personnel and proper location will help you to rest assured that your child is safe. The design and the furniture of the place should reflect a home-like feeling and reduces the sense of “alienation” that the child will feel especially during the first few months.
Teachers take-over Mother Role
The human factor is the most important of them all. Teachers will take over the role of the parents for the coming two years. The faces change and the child should be comfortable. Invest some time to talk to the teachers about education and life in general. Trust your guts. The attitude and the behavior are more important than the professional experience and the brilliant academic resume. It is fine to let your child attend this meeting and watch his reactions closely, introduce him/her to the new face and see how the response will be.
Additionally, your child’s colleagues are an integral part of the human factor. Make good use of the orientation day to socialize with the other parents, they will give you an insight into their children. Also, their background and ambitions should be similar to yours. Talk to them, share thoughts and give some time for both your children to socialize. Watch closely.
Prepare your “preschooler”
It is not an easy task. Be patient and the keyword is “gradually”. Do not expect that your child will leave home for the first day at the kindergarten that easily. He is stepping into a whole new world of “strangers”.
Experts recommend accompanying your child for some time during the first few weeks of the “first day at the kindergarten” till you get the feeling that the process is going smoothly; again, trust your guts. It is also advisable to attend the first few hours of the first days but assure the child that this is “temp”, talk freely on this. Expect that the child may stop at the gates and refuse to step in once this decision is made. Stick to the plan, this is hard as the child will entreat you with all means possible. Do not retreat, this is life. It is time for your “preschooler” to face life.
It is also fine to talk to the child and bring his Teddybear along or buy some treats. Everything is acceptable to urge him to step in and start the day. Talk for a longer time- if needed.
First-time Kindergarten
Your child stepped into the new world. It is normal for parents, especially mothers, to feel, anxious. Stay calm because this feeling will be transferred to the child. Talk more and more. Ask questions “what did you do today?” “How was the story?” “what did Aly tell you?” “what about your teacher (mention her/his name)?”. These questions will give the impression that the kindergarten is “permanent” and it is now part of our life. Adding to this, praise your child all the way, “this drawing is lovely” “you did well in the coloring class” “ I am proud of you because you ate all your food”…and so on. More praise means more self-confidence which is the most sought-after goal in this phase.
Activities and Skills
Unlike home random activities, kindergarten is professional and academic. All the skills are tailored to suit the brain functions and the capacity of the child.
The child will learn physically and emotionally. He/she will be introduced to colors, shapes, letters, and sports. Storytelling and socializing with colleagues will be shaped into role-playing and acting. The world will gradually change according to the child’s perception.
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