In our Special Back to School we have talked about the tips for adaptation to the nursery and the keys to cope with that return without stress. Today we want to focus on el cole "for seniors", when they start Early Childhood Education at age three.
You might think that with three years the children are already older and are prepared to the jump to the classrooms, but it's not like that. Especially if the child has not gone to preschool or preschool before: everything will be new to them at school.
There are some common tips for both children who have already been in school and for those who have not, since the change of stage and center, the news, affects both of them. It is important these first days to accompany them with time at the entrance, pick them up at the exit, talk about the topic, favor a good rest ...
However, we are going to focus on the case of the first time you know a school, the entrance to the "seniors" school. At the approximate age of three years we can better establish a conversation with them and in that sense we have a good "help" nonexistent when the baby still does not speak.
The first time the child is in school
Even if they are three years old, children face an important change: if they are with their family or their caregiver, they go to a school, a teacher, new classmates ... They only know the family environment and are going to enter an unknown space that They don't find it safe.
And although the methodology of the school this first year is not far from what they enjoy (games, songs, paintings ...), there is certain structure and schedules to which they have to adapt. Therefore, especially after the "chaotic" holidays, you have to try to follow schedule routines and especially that the children rest well at night, since they cannot fall asleep at school.
The parents will be more or less happy with the return to school, but in my opinion it does not favor the entrance of the little ones who see us sad (and I tell you that I have had to swallow the tears with my two daughters at the entrance of the cole). They already have enough to be sad, or scared to see how other children cry, so that they also see parents cry.
That is why it is better to talk to them before, with three years they will understand what happens to us: if we are happy because they are going to find new friends and learn many things, although we also feel a little sad because we will miss them ... Anyway, each one his mood referred to the entrance to the school, but trying to convey a positive attitude.
In addition, it is not only good that we speak. We also have to ask them to express their feelings in front of the entrance to the school, what they hope to find, how they imagine it, how they have seen it the first few days, what they do in school ... Talking about the subject will bring them closer to that place hitherto unknown.
Resorting to the symbolic game before and after the entrance to school, or reading stories on the subject that show what is the day to day in the classrooms will help them see it as something fun and understand what they are going to find.
Putting your favorite snack and fruit for lunch will make you especially happy and have a better morning. Trying to lie down calmly and relaxed for a good rest will wake you up with energies for the new day. We can try to go to school activities where parents can join (tell stories, make crafts ...), they will love it.
It is a matter of time that adapts to the new situation, and we must do everything possible to help you with the previous advice.
Adapt to the school of elders
Probably in a few days the child will have adjusted to the new schedules and habits at school. He already knows the teacher and his new classmates, who become his friends. Stay with them at the exit of the school, agree on the snack, in the park, on birthdays ... will be new incentives for the little ones.
It is even likely that children do not have a problem with entering school, they are looking forward to it and adapt without problems. Many times it is we who have a worse time seeing that a "small" stage is over ...
However, if we see that the weeks pass and the child still does not want to enter the school, or cries when he talks about it, or does not want to talk about the classes and you notice that he is angry, irritable or sleeps badly, it is convenient to take an appointment with the teacher to talk about what they observe in the classroom.
Anyway, even if we do not notice strange behavior in the child, it is advisable to make that first visit to the school to tell us how he has adapted and if we can do something else from home to help him.
Definitely, starting the college of elders is a big change for them but most likely it will be a change for the better in which they will not only learn a lot but also live unforgettable experiences and that will mark you forever. You, dads and moms, are you ready?
Photos | woodleywonderworks and lindaaslund on Flickr-CC In Babies and more | Useful tips to make going back to school more bearable, Rearranging sleeping hours with going back to school, Tips for better adaptation to nursery school, What you want to know about our children in school
