Tips on teaching kindergarten

Teaching Kindergarten: 50+ Tips, Tricks, and Ideas

Kindergarten teachers are magical people. It takes a special person to be able to manage the littlest students without breaking a sweat! Teaching kindergarten is also a special opportunity to introduce children to school and instill in them a love of learning. In honor of you who teach this grade, we’ve scoured our WeAreTeachers HELPLINE group on Facebook to bring you the best tips, tricks, and ideas for teaching kindergarten.

Getting Your Classroom Ready

1. Integrate all of the tech

Source: Enchanted Kinder Garden

With so many teachers receiving new devices, make sure you’re using them fully as a normal part of your day. Check out some of Keri from Enchanted Kinder Garden’s favorite tech tools for a kindergarten classroom.

2. Prepare yourself for kids with a wide range of skills

“Be ready for kids who are readers, kids who have never seen letters, and everything in between. I love my kinders dearly and find so much joy in watching their little lightbulbs go on for the first time! They’re a different bunch to be sure, but they’re a blast!” —Maggie V.

3. Create an inviting classroom

Need ideas? We’ve gathered real-life kindergarten classrooms for you to browse!

4. Be prepared for changes

Source: The Daily Alphabet

The science of reading has been all the buzz lately. Are you aware of what it truly means for your classroom and your students? Check out this article to learn more about the science of reading.

5. Gather all the supplies

Not sure what exactly you need for the kindergarten classroom? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with this list of essential kindergarten classroom supplies.

6. Plan your circle time well

Source: Growing Kinders

Make circle time short, sweet, and active. Incorporate these amazing carpet spots for easy seating.

7. Get a jump start on lessons

In kindergarten, teacher planning and prep time are precious! It makes life a lot easier when you can purchase existing lessons, bundles, books, and pages. And why not support other teachers while you do it? Check out our favorite Teacher Pay Teachers sellers.

8. Put together an irresistible classroom reading nook

Source: Pixie Chicks

If there’s one thing you want your kindergartners to walk away with at the end of the year, it’s the message that reading is fun! Make reading time extra special for them by setting up one of these awesome reading nooks.

9. Fill your classroom library with these classic kindergarten books

Here are our favorite books for teaching kindergarten.

10. Set up sensory tables

Early childhood teachers know that hands-on learning is essential. Sensory play encourages open-ended thinking, language development, and collaboration and builds fine motor skills. Sensory materials are magically both engaging and calming. Here are our favorites!

11. Set up a writing area

Source: Enchanted Kinder Garden

Writing is so important for our early learners. Even when students are just learning to write, it’s important to encourage the process. Having a dedicated writing time helps shift a child’s focus. Some classrooms even have a dedicated space for writing. Here is an easy setup for a writing center.

The First Days of School

12. Take your class on a mini-adventure on the first day

“I teach routines and rules, but I also go on some kind of ‘adventure.’ My adventure is going through the school to find where everything is: the bathrooms, the nurse, the front office, the cafeteria (which we practice going through the line), library, etc. I’ve done fishing where I have fish (or a jungle animal if that was my theme) hanging at each place and they collect them in a bucket as we go around taking turns and collecting through the whole school. They love it.” —Dana H.

13. Keep in mind that the kids have expectations too

Source: Rainbows Within Reach

“Kids go to their first day of kindergarten expecting to learn how to read that very day. So you have to do some choral reading of big books or poems so that they know that they have begun to learn to read. Just one big book. Read it many times that day. If they go home seeing themselves as scholars on the first day of school, you will have set the tone for the whole year.” —Becky N.

14. Help the parents of your students on the first day because it’s a tough transition for them too

“You will have a room full of parents on the first day, so to have a smooth goodbye, I wrap a box with Kinder Bear (any stuffed bear) inside. After the kids are sitting on the carpet, I tell them that I have a friend I’d like them to meet, but that he’s shy. I pretend to listen to the bear and tell the kids he wants you to say bye to Mom & Dad so he can come out and play. The parents will ‘get’ the message and leave, and the students will be eager to meet Kinder Bear!” —Denise B.

15. Start at the

very beginning

Source: Pre-K Pages

“Don’t assume they know how to do anything. Teach them everything. How to knock at the bathroom door, how to close it behind them, how to wash hands, throw away towels … routines, routines, routines.” — Shannon T.

16. Keep in mind how close to “baby” your students really are

“Remember, they are 60-month-olds! That always gives me perspective the first few weeks teaching kindergarten.” —Michelle K.

17. Choose amazing read-alouds for the first week of school

Source: Enchanted Kinder Garden

Go ahead and “add to cart” on Amazon to get first-week read-alouds and back-to-school books they’ll love.

18. Make keepsake drawings that will show growth from the beginning of the year

Source: Splish Splash Splatter

“I would have them do a self-portrait the first day and then another one the last week and look at the difference! You will want to start and demo one of yourself just to give them an idea of what to do. You might be surprised at the results and your parents will save it forever—mine did. I still have one I drew as a kinder or first grader.” —Julia A.

19. Start the year with firm expectations and clear routines

“Don’t worry about the curriculum. Just focus on the routines and rules. One of the best bits of advice I got from a professor was that the kids WANT to love you so don’t be afraid to be strict with the rules and set down your boundaries right out of the gate. I’ve been teaching for 20 years, and I learned that the hard way. Have fun, play games, let them see your playful side, but take the time to let them know what is expected of them.” —Julie S.

Check out these first day routines and procedures for more ideas!

20. Teach kids

exactly how to listen

Source: First Grade Garden

Don’t expect that they will come to you knowing what listening looks like. Here’s how to teach them.

21. Teach kids how to make friends

Source: First and Kinder Blue Skies

Some of your students will make friends naturally. Some of them will need your help. How to be a friend is one of the most important lessons they can leave their first year of school with. Here’s an activity you can do to help them.

22. Find fun ways to teach all of the routines your little ones will need to know all year long

“For my lines in the hallway, I say ‘There’s a cloud with marshmallows falling down (wiggle fingers like they’re falling from above), everyone catch a marshmallow!’ Pretend to catch and say, ‘now put it in your mouth and chew chew chew chew and keep your finger on your lips so it doesn’t fall out’ until you get to the cafeteria, playground, etc. They’ll walk around with their cheeks puffed up pretending to chew. Some might say they ate it, so tell them to catch another or it’s too big to eat the whole thing and keep chewing! I’ve heard teachers say ‘catch a bubble.’ It’s the same concept. When I need instant silence I say, ‘Catch a marshmallow!’ and there is quiet immediately.” —Heikel F.

Here is our list of must-teach classroom routines and procedures.

Classroom Management Tips

23. Use anchor charts

Creating anchor charts for and with your students helps them learn and remember lessons about topics like friendship, shapes, counting, letters, beginning writing, and more.

24. Keep your kids moving all day long

Source: You Clever Monkey

“Plan lessons/activities that last no more than 15 minutes, with some kind of movement activity in between. (Moving from the circle to the table counts, as does clapping a pattern, or Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes.)” —Anne H.

25. Do proper assessments

Teachers need to ultimately adapt their teaching to suit students’ needs. You want all of your students to be successful; that’s why these kindergarten assessment ideas are so important.

26. Combine multiple objectives into a single lesson

Source: Childcareland Pre-K

Teach children number sense and fine motor skills at the same time. The kids will love using the hole punch in this activity and will improve their number sense at the same time.

27. Teach with centers

Teaching with centers is one of the easiest ways to work through your curriculum while teaching kindergarten. And kids love them! Check out our kindergarten literacy centers for more ideas.

28. Get the wiggles out

Incorporating brain breaks will help all of your students when they just need a break from learning!

29. Give your kids visual cues to help them follow your directions

Source: Mrs. Maya’s Kinders

“I have my kids line up on numbers. They stay on the same number all year. This saves so much time. We can line up in less than 15 seconds. Their toes touch the number but don’t cover it so I can see it.” —Debbie N.

30. Keep little fingers cleaner with this trick

Source: Lucky Little Learners

“Glue sponges! There are several videos online for making them. So awesome to not deal with the bottle of glue mess or those littles who can’t close the bottle and spill glue in their supplies!” —Anita D.

31. Use a washable stuffed animal as a class pet

Source: A First for Everything

Low maintenance (essential for teaching kindergarten), high fun! Kids will love taking turns bringing it home to care for it over the weekend.

32. Routine, routine, routine

Veterans who’ve been teaching kindergarten for years said this again and again on our Helpline: Probably more than any other age group in elementary school, kindergartners thrive on their routine. “Plan fun and easy activities for the first week so you can keep focused on the routine.” —Sarah S.

Curriculum Tips and Tricks

33. Tailor your science to their needs

These fun and free science activities were put together just for your kindergarten students! They’ll learn how the world works through play and experiments.

34. Try daily STEM challenges

These STEM challenges are designed with your kinders in mind. Try one each day or each week to get their minds thinking outside the box.

35. Use these strategies for writing instruction

From invented spelling to punctuation and using words in context, these tips will help your newbie writers catch on quickly.

36. Use hands-on alphabet activities

Go on a scavenger hunt, play with shaving cream, and much more. These alphabet activities are perfect for your class.

37. Incorporate daily writing prompts

We’ve gathered writing prompts that you can download and use to get your kinders practicing their writing skills.

38. Use “space people” to help your beginning writers learn to use spaces between words

Source: Time 4 Kindergarten

Put an astronaut stick down when you get to the end of a word, so you know where to start the next one!

39. Put sight words front and center

Source: Life With Moore Babies

Keep track of important sight words in fun ways and keep them visually front and center like this growing word-a-pillar.

40.

Teach word families

Source: Teacher Karma

This method is tried-and-true among kindergarten teachers. Check out the link for seven simple steps for using word families to teach reading.

41. Bring technology (in small doses) into the classroom

Check out our guide to teaching kindergarten online for tips using technology when teaching kindergarten.

42. Sneak in the learning with games

“I like playing ‘I have, who has’ games. I take their picture on the first day of school and create an ‘I have who has’ game with their photos. It’s a great way for them to learn names, plus I use their picture for everything.” —Lisa G.

Check out our favorite educational toys and games for kindergarten.

43. Organize your instruction around themes

When you structure your lessons thematically, you provide your kids with more “hooks” for learning. Check out this blog by Fun-a-Day for some great ideas.

44. Find hands-on ways to teach number sense

Source: The Printable Princess

Number sense is key in kindergarten. You’ll want to cover it again and again. Here are some ideas for teaching number sense.

45. Incorporate kindergarten math games

Kindergarten offers so many opportunities to help students find learning truly enjoyable. These kindergarten math games teach concepts in fun and meaningful ways.

46. Watch math videos

Making math more engaging for kids can be difficult. But teaching math will be anything but boring when you introduce students to some of our favorite subtraction and addition videos on YouTube.

47. Begin teaching shapes

Learning shapes is one of the earliest concepts we teach kids. Shapes ready them for geometry in the years ahead, but it’s also an important skill for learning how to write and draw. Get started with these activities.

48. Count the days of school and celebrate when you reach 100

There are so many different fun ways to celebrate the 100th day of school. We’ve got a whole collection of activities for you!

49.

Use music for everything

“Music is needed and is a good way to transition. Find a welcome song and an afternoon song (can be the same tune with different words) to start and close your day. It makes a world of difference.” —Anne H.

50. Keep activity sticks on hand so you never have a terrifying “What do I do with them

now?” moment

Source: Keep Calm and Teach On

One of the most repeated pieces of advice in our Helpline group about teaching kindergarten is that you should always overplan for this age group. These activity sticks are a fantastic safety net when you suddenly find that your lesson went twice as fast as you expected.

51. Go on a field trip

Kinders are a wild bunch, and taking them anywhere might seem daunting, but field trips provide kids with the kind of real-world learning that really sticks with them. These kindergarten field trips will keep your young students interested and (mostly) out of trouble. We even have virtual ones!

52. Incorporate LOTS of art

Hands-on learning is best for little ones. We’ve gathered our favorite fun and interesting projects.

Taking Care of You

53. Take care of yourself

Teaching kindergarten requires a different kind of energy. Eat well and try to get an extra hour of sleep if you can. “When I switched from teaching second grade to teaching kindergarten, I was exhausted for the first two months. It’s physically taxing.” —Karen E.

Here are some teacher self-care ideas to consider.

54. Connect with a community of educators outside of your own school

Teaching is hard! Join our WeAreTeachers HELPLINE Facebook group and connect with other teachers to talk about challenges and triumphs and ask questions.

55. Follow kindergarten teachers and bloggers

Keep a pulse on what’s happening in your grade level with our favorite teachers sharing on topics ranging from crafts to addressing important multicultural issues.

56. Laugh with your kids

Kindergartners love to laugh as much as the rest of us! These funny books will add some humor and levity to your day. Plus, check out these jokes just for kindergartners!

57. Keep a “sub tub” on hand for those days when you just can’t make it into school

Source: Supply Me

Fill your sub tub with all the lessons and activities your sub will need in case you have an unexpected absence.

58. Plan fun annual events for your students and their families

Source: Kindercraze

Whether it’s Cupcakes With Caregivers, a fall feast, or a spring BBQ, kindergartners love traditions. And they love to include their families. Here are some tips on making these events inclusive for all your students.

59. And last, but certainly not least, give them lots (and lots) of time to play

“Playtime teaches kids how to get along with others so that they can effectively learn in a classroom. It’s so important, especially in kindergarten. ” —Michelle S.

Check out our educational toys for kindergarten and why dolls belong in the classroom!

We’d love to hear—what are your favorite tips and tricks for teaching kindergarten? Come and share in our WeAreTeachers HELPLINE group on Facebook.

Plus, check out our guide to the kindergarten classroom.

15 Beautiful & Inspiring Kindergarten Classrooms

The start of school can be intimidating for little kids, which is why it’s so important to create a positive and inviting environment. If you’ve been thinking about updating your kindergarten classroom, we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re looking to change your decor, layout, or are just looking for inspiration, these 15 kindergarten classrooms will help get you started!

1. Set Up A Classroom Within Your Classroom

How adorable is this miniature classroom setup for budding teachers?

Source: @missmercersclassroom

2. Add Some Sunshine

This is one of the cutest kindergarten classrooms we’ve ever seen (and we’re obsessed with that sun basket on the shelf—no, it’s not a taco!).

Source: @kindercuteness

3. Use Chair Covers for Extra Storage

Those chair covers can help keep seats clean and add a splash of color while adding a little more storage space!

Source: @teachingwithaflair

4. Showcase Student Work

A clothesline is an efficient and fun way to put everything on display.

Source: @mrs.cuervo_in_the_classroom

5. Think About Textures

Balance out the paper, wood, and plastic and add a touch of softness to your classroom with a cool rug.

Source: @mrs.rskrazykinders

6. Stick With a Simple Palette

Black and white with pops of color is always in style.

Source: @kindergartenrainbows

7. Bring Warmth to a Big Space

Making a large space more inviting and engaging can be difficult, but finding a great piece (like a huge mat) can bring it all together.

Source: @learningwithmrsratigan

8. Think Bright and Happy

Incorporating many types of seating give students options for socializing and independent play.

Source: @kindercuteness

9. Make the Most of Bulletin Boards

Your kindergarten classroom may not be very big, but with creativity, you can create a dynamic learning environment for your students.

Source: @glitterandhummus

10. Try Flexible Seating

These cool floor chairs make it easy for young kids to curl up with a book (and the seat covers are easy to clean). Check out other flexible seating options.

Source: @playfullykindergarten

11. Use Baskets to Organize Your Classroom Library

The right baskets will add style and organization to any classroom!

Source: @espresso_teach_repeat

12. Try a Play Mat for a Rug

Kindergartens love to play, so give them a colorful space to sit and tumble more comfortably!

Source: @itsallgoodwithmisshood

13.

Add Some School Supply Flair

The oversize chair is great, but can we talk about that cool, giant pencil?

Source: @missqskinders

14. Go Au Naturel

Give your kindergarten classroom the natural treatment by ditching plastic for wood.

Source: @courtneys.classroom

15. Create a Magical Doorway

This great rainbow treatment allows your students to leave the world behind when they step through your door.

Source: @sunshineandrainbowsinteaching

Want to make things a little more cozy? Check out this list of 13 Ways to Bring Hygge to Your Classroom.

If these ideas inspired you, join our WeAreTeachers HELPLINE group and come talk with the very teachers who suggested them!

To a new life: how to prepare children for school and kindergarten | Articles

Doctors and psychologists gave advice to parents sending their children to school and kindergarten. According to experts, it is important to pay attention to both the health and the internal state of the child, setting him up for a new interesting life. Izvestia found out how to help a child adapt more easily in a group or class and how to strengthen his immunity .

How to prepare a child for school or kindergarten?

Ismail Osmanov, Chief Pediatrician of the Moscow Health Department, told how to prepare a child for admission to kindergarten or school. First of all need to strengthen the health of the baby by including foods containing vitamins and minerals in the diet. Also, on the recommendation of a doctor, you can give him special vitamin complexes.

But vaccination, according to the pediatrician, should have been taken care of in advance: many vaccinations (against diphtheria, whooping cough, tetanus, poliomyelitis, chicken pox) are administered in several stages, between which a certain interval must be observed.

To a new life

Photo: Depositphotos/SomeMeans

- Before entering school, the child must be fully vaccinated in accordance with the National Immunization Schedule. Vaccination protects against the most dangerous and severe infections, - explains Mark Pruzhinin, pediatrician, senior medical consultant of the Teledoctor24 service, in an interview with Izvestia. — If the child is not fully vaccinated due to a medical exemption, discuss with your doctor the possible timing of the vaccination.

Doctors and psychologists told Izvestia how to prepare a child for kindergarten or school, strengthen his immunity and facilitate adaptation in a children's team.

Prevention of diseases

Prevention of childhood diseases in kindergartens and schools is a long-established process, doctors say in an interview with Izvestia. Upon admission, each child undergoes a medical examination, where he visits all the necessary specialists. The only point, notes the medical director of Lifetime + Kirill Yuvchenko, is that there is no dentist and orthodontist on the list, “which would also be worth going to.”

It is necessary to diagnose the state of health not only on the eve of the first year in kindergarten or school — it is desirable to check vital signs at least once a year . Timely check-ups will help to avoid many health problems in the future, Izvestia's interlocutor is sure.

To a new life

Photo: RIA Novosti/Sergey Pyatakov

“Given the difficult situation associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, teach your child simple hygiene rules – wash your hands more often, maintain social distance, avoid contact with obviously cold people,” adds Mark Pruzhinin.

To increase resistance to viruses, it is important that the child moves enough, walks in the fresh air more often and eats a balanced diet, eating fresh vegetables and fruits.

“Study what the child is interested in”

If a child goes to school for the first time, don't take preparation too seriously, says pediatrician Mark Pruzhinin. Do not immediately put a first-grader at the table and force him to write out prescriptions - he will quickly get bored.

- No tediousness and cramming - it's better to choose the format of the game, - says the interlocutor of Izvestia. “You can learn by sitting on the floor, lying on the couch, or walking down the street. Pay attention to fine motor skills, that is, classes to develop the dexterity of the hands and fingers. Draw, sculpt, work with the designer, lay out applications from small things. This will help the child when he learns to write, and will have a good effect on the production of speech.

To a new life

Photo: Depositphotos/IgorVetushko

When sending a child to first grade, you should not "run ahead of the locomotive." Instead of trying to "make life easier for the child and immediately try to teach him the multiplication table", the doctor advises to study what is really interesting for the baby.

- If he asked about dinosaurs, buy a children's encyclopedia with illustrations. Interested in space - watch a children's documentary. It is important to do everything in moderation and not be afraid that you are wasting time, because there is nowhere to rush. In the end, there are no official requirements for the skills of a future first grader, the pediatrician sums up.

"Don't criticize"

The basis of preparing a child for school is to instill a healthy attitude towards learning. If the mother quickly becomes angry and scolds for every mistake, the child will develop a fear of the first grade, and after all, mistakes, experts say, are an important part of the cognitive process.

— Praise the baby more often and say that everything can be fixed, don't get upset, — says Mark Pruzhinin. - Parents who grew up in Soviet culture are accustomed to criticism - we may not notice how we say something offensive to a child, undermine his self-confidence and give rise to complexes. And this will have a negative impact on your studies.

To a new life

Photo: Depositphotos/SomeMeans

A good way to instill in your child an interest in learning is a personal example, with reading for example. Many parents in the process of preparing for the first grade are worried that the baby has not yet learned to read or reads poorly. In this case, they should read more on their own - as soon as the baby notices that parents take up a book in their free time, he will unwittingly copy the behavior.

— It is important to show the child that learning is interesting. Let him adopt a positive attitude, - says the interlocutor of Izvestia.

“Set your child up for something exciting”

Many people associate September 1 with the beginning of a new period in the life of not only the child, but the family as a whole, says neuropsychologist Elena Danilova in an interview with Izvestia. Because it is very important to set yourself and your child up for something exciting and interesting.

- Share with your child how interesting it was at your school, how you played in kindergarten. Open the veil, tell what will happen, so that there is an understanding of what to expect , says the neuropsychologist. - Discuss that all children are different, and everyone may have their own characteristics, but everyone can find a good trait that they like and help to establish contact. Teach your child to take the initiative himself, and they will definitely want to be friends with him.

To a new life

Photo: RIA Novosti / Vitaly Belousov

At first, the child may need the active attention of parents: talk more, support and help tune in to a new daily routine and new activities. The psychologist advises trying to set up a sleep schedule in advance so that the child can easily get up in the morning.

— With a child who is going to kindergarten, you can act out several scenes of acquaintance or joint games to help him adapt and make sure that the child is ready to enter the society, — adds Elena Danilova.

Preparing a child for school or kindergarten should be easy, fun and unobtrusive, Izvestia's interlocutors are sure. No need to immerse the child in intensive activities - let the knowledge of the world pass through communication, films, books and trips.

— Do not scold the child, remove the haste, set an example and be there — and you will see that it is not so difficult to prepare him for kindergarten or elementary school, — Mark Pruzhinin sums up.

Advice on how to prepare a child for visiting preschool and school.

It is necessary to plan your child's entry to kindergarten in advance and, in accordance with this, take a number of preparatory measures.

Learn to do without a mother

As your child grows up and becomes more independent, begin to teach him to be under the supervision of other adults. It can be the closest relatives of the baby: father, grandmother, aunt. Prepare the necessary things for the care of the child, if necessary, provide some instructions for handling him. And then for a couple of hours you can go about your business.

Don't worry too much about leaving the baby without your care - everything will be all right with him. He is no longer a helpless baby, and your loved ones are experienced enough to cope with their task. But the child will gradually get used to the fact that the mother does not have to be around all the time. He will understand that he is no longer a single whole with his mother, but must and can become more and more independent.

Practice shows that in kindergarten it is the separation from the mother that frightens the child the most. If he is already prepared for the fact that she may be absent for some time, then the discomfort from parting will pass faster.

Teach self-care skills

Another important piece of advice on how to properly prepare your child for kindergarten concerns the development of self-care skills.

You need to teach your baby how to use a spoon, drink from a cup, ask to go to the toilet;
Show him how to dress properly, put away toys, wash hands.

The older your toddler gets, the more he should be able to do. This learning process is quite lengthy and requires patience, but a child in kindergarten will feel more confident and avoid many unpleasant situations.

In addition, one more aspect of this problem must be remembered. Make sure that the items that your baby uses are as convenient as possible for him:

Buy children's dishes;
Choose clothes with buttons, shoes with Velcro or elastic bands, etc.;
Attach brightly colored stickers to your child's personal belongings to make it easier for him to find them or to know which foot to put on the boot, where the front of the T-shirt is, etc.

Adjust to kindergarten routine

To make it easier for your baby to get used to kindergarten, be sure to take care of accustoming him to the correct daily routine. Ask in advance what time breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea will take place, when the daytime sleep should be.

I especially want to focus on this moment those mothers who are interested in the question of how to prepare a child for kindergarten at 1.5 years old.

At this age, it is difficult to control the child's behavior in an arbitrary mode. If he does not develop the habit of falling asleep at a certain hour, then this can be a serious problem for the educators in the group. Yes, and the baby will become lethargic and capricious when the usual time for sleep comes.

If the child has difficulty falling asleep;
It is difficult for you to maintain the correct daily routine;
And in the evening, putting the child to bed is delayed for hours, then listen to the Internet seminar
It would not be superfluous to ask about the composition of the kindergarten menu. Include most of the dishes that the child will try in the diet at home.

Develop speech

Tips on how to prepare a two-year-old child for kindergarten talk about the need to pay attention to the development of his speech. At this age, he should already learn to correctly formulate remarks and even sentences. It is necessary that he was able to communicate about his needs, well-being.

Keep an eye on your baby's vocabulary. Introduce him to words of courtesy.

Learn to communicate with peers

It is imperative that the recommendations on how to prepare a child for kindergarten indicate the importance of teaching him to communicate with peers. This question is not very relevant for children under 3 years old. But already at a later age, you should show the baby how to get to know each other, communicate with other guys. Teach him to share toys, to resolve some conflict situations.

Very useful before the child starts attending kindergarten, going with him to the children's club or club. Visit your friends often who also have children of similar age. Visit the playgrounds in the playrooms.

Tell us about kindergarten

It is equally important to know how to psychologically prepare a child for kindergarten. Most often, the baby is frightened by the unknown when he finds himself in an unfamiliar environment and does not know what awaits him there.

To eliminate such a problem, it is recommended to tell the preschooler about kindergarten conditions in advance;
Choose the walking route so that it passes the kindergarten. Being nearby, pay the child's attention to the appearance, location, bright lines in the design of the building and territory;
Be sure to comment on the actions of staff and children if you see them in the yard
On occasion, show your child pictures of children in kindergarten. Tell them what they can do there. Always point out that children in preschool are fun and interesting.

By the way, in the pre-kindergarten course, you will receive two of the best books to read and discuss with your child as bonuses.

When I am asked for advice from a psychologist on adapting to kindergarten, I recommend telling a child about kindergarten in the form of a fairy tale. Come up with a story featuring your favorite character or your little one's toy. Tell us about how he goes to a fabulous kindergarten, what friends he met there, etc. Encourage your child to write their own stories.

Important! Never frighten a child by sending him to kindergarten as a punishment for some misconduct. Do not talk about strict (especially evil) teachers who will scold him.

Play kindergarten

It is very useful to play kindergarten with your child:

Organize a kindergarten for dolls at home;
Let the baby be in the role of a teacher or a preschooler;
Make sure that his actions are correct, correct if he makes a mistake in something;
Game play must always be played in a friendly manner;
Pay attention to the child that there are certain rules in kindergarten and you can not behave as you like.

Create a positive mood

Talk to your child more often about his imminent admission to kindergarten. Associate this with the fact that now he has become older and more independent, and you are very happy for him. Say you're proud of him. In the presence of the baby, tell your friends about this upcoming event.

Remember that preschool children perceive the world around them through their parents' emotions.

The child will be happy to enter kindergarten if he feels your positive attitude. Therefore, it is important that you have no doubts about this matter;
Visit the kindergarten in advance, find out about the team working in it. Take an interest in the programs that are used for classes with children, the presence of additional opportunities for the development of their abilities.

Take care of your health

Quite often you can hear parents complain that as soon as a child starts attending kindergarten, he is constantly sick. Unfortunately, in most cases, this is indeed the case. It is worth considering in advance how to prepare the child's immunity for kindergarten.

Include vitamins and minerals in your baby's diet. If necessary, give special nutritional complexes;

Separately, I would like to draw your attention to the fact that it is not recommended to do any vaccinations immediately before entering kindergarten. About 1.5 months should elapse between these events;
It is also advised not to register the baby in the garden during periods of increased epidemiological danger.

In conclusion, I want to say that the right time for a child to enter kindergarten can only be determined based on the characteristics of his character and state of health. The most optimal period is considered to be the age of 2.5 or 4 years, since it is recommended to avoid significant shocks during the three-year period of crisis for the child.

If your child has sufficient independence and the necessary communication skills, then she is quite ready for new changes in her life. However, keep in mind that at first you will have to take the baby to the garden for part of the day, and sometimes even leave her at home.