preparing the kids for school

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preparing the kids for school

by vero

Aug 6, 2010

Registration has been paid. We have bought new sneakers, bookbags and lunch boxes. The kids are outfitted for school. What can we do at home for these next few weeks to get them school ready? my two year old daughter is totally excited. my four year old son is more of a homebody and seems nervous. any suggestions on encouraging them would be great. love reading the teachers perspective on this board! oh, any suggestions on organizing our afterschool life would also be appreciated. they will be in a montessori program from8:30~12. excited mom, vz

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montessori teacher If at all possible, ask if you and your children can visit the school a couple of times before they begin.

If you are able to visit while the children are outdoors playing, it is a more relaxed time, and your children can get a taste of the outdoors while you are present. I ask parents to join us for about 20 minutes or so outside during t...See MoreIf at all possible, ask if you and your children can visit the school a couple of times before they begin.

If you are able to visit while the children are outdoors playing, it is a more relaxed time, and your children can get a taste of the outdoors while you are present. I ask parents to join us for about 20 minutes or so outside during the first visit. I also ask the parents to find a place in the playground that is unobtrusive, and allow their children to explore, without following them around (as much as possible). 20 minutes seems to be a nice time for the children, and they often do not want to leave.

I ask the parents to come again, within a week, around the same time, and stay for the beginning of our day. Snacktime and some activity, again for a short time, with parents present, makes the classroom seem a little more familiar. Again, keep the visit brief - to peak the interest.

If you can stay for a brief time when you pick them up, it will also help them settle. Show them that you are comfortable and like it there, too. Some of our families that leave at noon bring a small snack with them, and they 'picnic' on the grass and benches in front of the school. The parents get to know each other and the kids, again, aren't rushed away.

If the school has a 'back to school night' for parents, or other parent meetings, please attend. Not only will you learn more about what your children will be doing, but it will allow you to meet other parents. The children will also see you 'attending' the school.

After your children begin school, find out if they have connected with another child in the classroom. If you can arrange a playdate outside of school, at a park or something similar, they can bond to their new friends outside of school. This also gives them a new and fun connection to the classroom. As connections with other children strengthen, you will hear more names of others and can encourage more playdates or get-togethers.

Also, I would begin to ease them into the schedule you will be following. Since you have the time now, a gradual change in your morning routines will make the mornings of school more familiar.

I hope some of this helps, and welcome to Montessori!

On 8/06/10, vero wrote: > Registration has been paid. We have bought new sneakers, bookbags and lunch boxes. The kids are outfitted for school. What can we do at home for these next few weeks to get them school ready? my two year old daughter is totally excited. my four year old son is more of a homebody and seems nervous. any suggestions on encouraging them would be great. love reading the teachers perspective on this board! oh, any suggestions on organizing our afterschool life would also be appreciated. they will be in a montessori program from8:30~12. excited mom, vz

Aug 7, 2010

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maureen Montessori teacher's advice was all great. The only thing I would add from my experience all these years is this: Be sure your children are going to bed at a decent hour each night. By decent, I mean getting around 12 hours of sleep at night. The number one problem I see with some children is simply that they are not getting enough sleep at night. ...See More

Aug 8, 2010

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Emily I know at least one parent found it helpful with her reluctant/nervous son to make a scrapbook with him about starting school. It was a fun activity and a way for them to talk about starting school. They did things like taking a pictures and making drawings of things that he would take to school and the friends he would see and meet there and then ...See More

Aug 9, 2010

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