The ideal kindergarten experience will be a positive, easy transition to real school. It sets the foundation for all of your child’s education. Some programs are better than others, even though there is no perfect program. Learn what makes each one different and how to get the best start for your child, regardless of what options you have.
Why Kindergarten?
Begin by considering the goals of a quality kindergarten program. Kindergarten gives your child the chance to develop and practice essential social, psychological, problem-solving and study skills that will be useful throughout his schooling.
One of the most important goals in kindergarten is to develop self-esteem. This is the process that helps your child feel proud of who she is and confident about her ability to meet the challenges of learning. These books can help kids feel more confident.
Kindergarten teaches cooperation. This is the ability to learn, work, and get along well with others. K1報名 gives your child the chance to develop patience and the ability to take turns, give and receive help from others. These are all skills that will be useful throughout his school years.
Many children are naturally curious. However, not all children know how to focus their curiosity. Kindergarten is a time to encourage and guide your child’s curiosity.
What is an Ideal Kindergarten?
Ask any number parents or educators, and you’ll get many different opinions about what a kindergarten should look like. However, educators can agree on the basic elements of a great program. It should:
Increase your child’s knowledge of the world and his ability to organize information. This improves his self-worth and confidence as well as his ability to collaborate with others and is a great way to get him excited about challenging tasks.
Offer a mixture of formal (teacher-initiated), and informal (child initiated) activities. Investigating and working together on projects allows your child to be independent and work in small groups.
Reduce the amount of sitting required for large groups. Instead, many activities focus on hands-on learning through play in small groups. As the year progresses large group activities get longer to prepare for 1st grade.
Instill a love of reading, writing and books. Everywhere you look, there are words, books, and your own writing.
Keep these things in mind when you are looking at programs. Some programs may not be right for all children. Some children are more comfortable in a program that provides more direction than others. Talk to your child’s preschool teacher, visit several schools, and speak to the principal or kindergarten teacher before making a decision.
What if the Program Does Not Meet Your Expectations?
Maybe you don’t have much choice but worry about the quality of kindergarten. Let the teacher and the program know that you are allowing them time to start the year. If the class you saw in spring seems different when your child begins in fall, it could be a sign that the teacher is not doing a good job. Many programs take time to start slow, helping children get out of their families and feel comfortable in school.
If you are still having doubts after a few weeks, speak to the teacher. Talk to her about your expectations and her goals. Sometimes, an apparent mismatch is just a difference of approach. Keep the dialogue going. Ask for information, but be open to hearing the “whys” behind the teacher’s philosophy.
Sometimes, a teacher’s approach may not be right for your child. It is then time to meet with the principal. Be prepared to explain your points. This will enable the principal to identify the problem and make suggestions for your child’s improvement.
Sometimes, but not always, children may need to move to another school or teacher. The principal, teacher, or another professional may have made many observations in the classroom of your child. It is important that the group agrees on this decision.
