You might be able to skip nursery, but for new parents who aren’t aware, kindergarten is compulsory for your children in Singapore. Hence, it’s important to equip them with essential skills, which is more than just packing a backpacks.
It’s about teaching them valuable skills that foster independence and social adaptability. Below are essential skills to work on at home that will help your child transition smoothly into preschool:
1. Routine awareness
Creating a structured morning routine helps toddlers learn what to expect and builds independence. Tasks like getting dressed, washing up, and eating breakfast can be broken down into simple steps. Start with basic tasks and gradually encourage your child to complete them on their own. Use a picture schedule to guide them.
2. Social Skills: Turn-Taking and Sharing
Preschool environments require children to express their needs to teachers and peers. Practice open-ended questions with your child, like “What does your body need?” to help them become more aware of their feelings and confident in asking for help when needed.
Toddlers need to learn how to take turns and share with peers, especially in a group setting. Practicing sharing at home, using social stories or role-play scenarios, will help them understand how to navigate group play at preschool.
3. Teach Personal Hygiene
Self-care habits like washing hands, blowing noses, and brushing teeth are essential for preschool. Encourage your child to perform these tasks independently, reinforcing good hygiene routines after meals and bathroom breaks.
4. Master Dressing Skills
Give your child opportunities to practice dressing themselves—putting on shirt, jackets, shoes, socks, and hats. These skills not only promote independence but also help with balance and coordination, making transitions at preschool smoother.
5. Organising, Packing, and Wearing Backpack
Familiarise your child with the routine of packing their backpack and wearing it. Having them practice carrying their bag, even for short trips, can help them feel more comfortable on the first day of preschool.
6. Develop Calming Strategies
Preschool can sometimes be overwhelming for toddlers. Equip your child with self-regulation tools like deep breathing, asking for help, or taking a break in a quiet area. These strategies can empower them to handle emotions on their own.
7. Understand Preschool Rules
Explain basic preschool rules, such as listening to the teacher, participating in group activities, and raising hands to speak. Familiarising your child with these expectations helps them understand the structure of their new environment.
8. Prepare for Separation
The first day of preschool can be emotional for both parents and children. Help your child adjust by creating a special goodbye routine, like a quick hug. Encourage them to express their feelings and reassure them that you’ll return at the end of the day.
9. Aware of Strangers and Staying Safe
As your toddler prepares for preschool, it’s essential to start teaching them about the concept of “strangers.” At this stage, children may not fully understand the difference between people they know and those they don’t. Teaching them about safety around strangers helps them be aware of their surroundings without causing fear or anxiety.
Best way to teach them is by teaching your child who is a trusted adult—this could be family members, close friends, or the preschool staff. Explain that while most people are friendly, they should never go anywhere with someone without first checking with a trusted adult. Reinforce that it’s okay to say no to anyone who makes them feel uncomfortable.
Let your toddler know their safe places, such as staying near a teacher or asking for help from a store clerk or a parent with children in public areas. This way, they can find a safe adult if they feel lost or scared. You can also help them with role-playing scenarios to help your child practice how to respond to strangers in a safe and controlled way.