ADAPTION TO KINDERGARTEN
My daughter is 3 years old and we are going to enroll her in kindergarten. What can I do to help her adjust?
Enrolling a child in kindergarten is a new beginning for both the child and their parents. Adapting to a new environment like that of the kindergarten requires time, persistence and determination. Below are some guidelines to help you and your daughter have a smooth transition from home to kindergarten.
• Start the child's preparation in time by talking to her about the kindergarten, the teachers, the games, the activities that will take place there. Explain to your daughter where you will be when she is at kindergarten and that you will always return at noon to take her home. Also, visit the place together a few days before it normally starts so that she can have a first experience.
• - In the first days, follow a flexible schedule and gradually increase the time the child stays at the kindergarten, so that after a week the child can follow the program of the whole day
• Adopt a morning routine that starts at home, for example every morning you can prepare breakfast together, arrange her bag or read her a favorite fairy tale before leaving for kindergarten
• Show determination at the time of separation, as how ready the parents are to separate their child makes the whole process easier. It is good not to transfer your stress and worry to your daughter, but to give her a "bye" and a hug, explaining that you will be back as soon as you finish your work. It is important not to turn back even if she is crying as she will most likely stop shortly after you walk away. Otherwise your child will have to handle your goodbye a second time within minutes.
• Avoid making other changes in the child's life at the same time as attending kindergarten is a big change in itself
• Trust the teachers and follow their instructions.
Keep up
Anesiadou Kassiani, nursery teacher
Kokkinou Sofia, kindergarten teacher
