PreSchool / Pre-Primary

The start of preschool is a milestone that's often anticipated with great excitement and joy, but also with lots of crying, uncertainty, and heel digging -- from both kids and parents! "For children, the main source of anxiety around entering preschool is that they have absolutely no idea what to expect, They have spent the first three to four years learning the rules and routines of their family life and they are completely unfamiliar with the new rules and routines they will encounter. For parents, the main source of separation anxiety is worrying that their child will feel abandoned."

Many moms may see their child have a bad first reaction to preschool and immediately decide to pull him out of the classroom. But that's a bad idea: "It denies the child an opportunity to learn how to work through negative feelings and sets a precedent of not having to face problems," Instead, consistency is key when it comes to making preschool a part of your child's new routine. Simply going together on a regular basis will provide your little one with a strong sense of anticipation. Keep your goodbyes short and sweet so that your child knows what to expect but doesn't prolong your departure. When you pick him up at the end of the day, reinforce the idea that you came back, just like you said you would. This way, each day's drop-off won't feel like you're both starting teary and upsetting goodbyes all over again. 

Some useful things you can do:

• Put your preschooler to bed earlier and wake him/her up earlier so there’s time for a leisurely yet energy-boosting breakfast (hungry, tired kids are often clingy, cranky kids) to help her shake off the sleepies and get her preschool mojo on. 

• On the way to preschool, talk about what she like do and who she’ll see. 

• If the preschool allows it, let her bring a comfort object (like a favourite stuffed animal or blanket). Even if there’s a ban on toys from home, give her something of yours — like a photo or scarf — that she can keep in her cubby, or draw star or smilie on her hand at the preschool good-bye. 

• Settle her in an activity before you head out the door — or ask her to show you her most recent collage masterpiece or toy she plays with. But don’t give your little one the impression that you’ll stay as long as she needs you. And if you’re having trouble with your exit strategy, ask the teacher if she can step in after giving your little one a breezy bye-bye. 

• If your child still has a hard time separating from you, try this: Say your good-byes at home and ask your partner (if your preschooler’s not as attached to him/her!) or a classmate’s parent to drop her off instead. 

Avoid comparing your child to others. Honouring your child's process is the best way to make the transition to preschool as smooth as possible. The child who never cries when his parent leaves him may act out the scene over and over again during play to process his feelings. Another child may need to cry at every separation for a while in order to work through his feelings. It's okay to keep leaving the child if he keeps crying. A complete and successful transition into school can take months, especially if there are family vacations or breaks from school, when children often regress, or if there are changes happening at home. Remind him that you will always return to pick him and that there are people at school to keep him safe.

Always remember that starting preschool is a positive step for both you and your little pupil.

Children Learn Best by Observing

Babies and toddlers learn by observing adults, even when those adults aren't intentionally trying to teach them anything. For example, you're bound to catch your child pretending to talk on the phone, using any object she has at her disposal. Your child is learning how things work and what to do with them just by observing you. You must be careful, however, because kids at this age are also incredibly good at imitating behaviours you don't want them to, such as cussing or throwing things when you're angry.

Children appreciate their parents without judging them because they are the role models. Children have an ability to learn more by observing others doing any kind of work. Children have brain like a plain paper. They learn good or bad from what they watch around them. First, they watch their family members, how they communicate with each other, their lifestyle, and way of living. They get same impression because they spend most of their time with them. They copy the information which is the most characteristic of humans.

Psychologically the children are into the phase of sensitive learning, they rapidly copy the behavior of their parents which is imprinted on their minds. Sometimes the learning is the result of an event which is recorded in their memory and by observation and repetition becomes a part of their habits. Along with the children's growth, adults will influence them much more, such as logical thinking, making decision, cooperation with others, etc.. The behavior of adults can give children both good and bad influence. Adults behavior is the most effective education method to let them observe the whole process of how to deal with the problems. The children will learn from you naturally.

Preschool is a time of great strides in development for most kids. As they head off to school, even if it's just a few hours per week, they have an increased opportunity to pick up on new things. Preschool gives kids the chance to see other kids in action, which provides many instances for imitation. Another example of imitation-prone behaviors are those involving eating habits. children learn how to eat based on the beliefs, attitudes and behaviors of the adults they spend time with. That includes both what to eat and how to eat it. Parents who routinely eat a variety of healthy foods help teach their kids to make the same choices. On the other hand, watching their adult caregivers eat junk food or fast food instills that pattern of eating in the child.

Few suggestions for inculcating positive behaviours in your preschooler.

• Read often and let your child see you doing so, which makes reading a healthy and normal part of everyday life.
• Use polite words and speak in appropriate tone of voice to those around you.
• Let your child see you doing the chores he/she's expected to do, such as keeping plate after a meal or putting shoes away when they return home.
• Explain the consequences when you make a mistake so your child sees the results of negative behaviours.
• Appreciate them when they have behaved well and also make them aware when and where their behaviour was not appropriate.

Obviously, no one is perfect and there are bound to be times when you slip up and make a mistake. The best way to mold your child's behaviour is to show him how to act, when you do make a mistake, model the proper way of making amends so your child learns how to fix his own mistakes now and as he gets older. It's not easy to be on your best behavior at all times, but by doing your best most of the time, your child learns how to act in the world around him/her.

 In conclusion, I would say that it is true that children learn best by observing the behaviour of adults and they try to imitate it. So adults watch your behaviour and try to become a good influence and example for the children.