Make sure your child has time to play with other children. Point out letters in signs, and go through the alphabet together. Use blocks, big puzzles and other toys to teach letters and numbers. Sing alphabet and counting songs together.
Children enter Nursery at age 2, after which they enter Kindergarten, and enter primary school at age 6. All children attend 5 days a week and spend on average 41 hours per week at preschool.
There isn’t a checklist of must-have skills kids need to start preschool. That's because young children develop at very different rates. But there are some areas you can look at to see if your child is ready for group learning. These areas form a handy acronym: Here’s how to tell if your child has the “PIECES” of preschool readiness in place. 1. Potty-trained 2. Independent 3. Expressive 4. Concentration 5. Emotionally Ready 6. Stamina
It can take up to ten weeks for a child to fully be ready to be left at school without their parent. The best way to handle the separation process is having the parent go to school and sit next to their child. They should not interact with them in games and toys, but rather be there as a safety net.
Giving your child the chance to play with other children from preschool or playgroup can help your child develop friendships. It's a good idea to start with playdates with 1-2 friends rather than a lot of children. Just one friend can work well if your child is shy or slow to warm up in social situations.
