“What’s the best age to start preschool?” “When will I know if my child is ready for school?” That is the dilemma that most parents face as they gauge if their child is ready for their first real taste of independence. Preschool programs for children ages 2 to 5 abound all around the metro, but figuring out whether you should send your child to school lies not in the best age to start preschool, but in his school readiness.
Best Age to Start Preschool: The 5 Signs That Your Child Is Ready for School
Here are some signs that show that your child is ready:
1. Your child demonstrates independence
Whether it’s getting her things and packing away by herself or insisting that she can do the task without any help from you (thank you!), she feels pride in knowing that she can do things on her own.
2. Your child is comfortable with both adults and children
He doesn’t mind being with people outside of the family and isn’t afraid to interact with them. It doesn’t matter if it’s a short chat with the village taho vendor or play-dates with his neighbors — he’s okay being with other people and isn’t scared around them.
3. Your child can communicate his needs
Communication doesn’t need to be verbal all the time. There are children who can only utter words or certain phrases but they can say these words to adults other than their parents or caregivers. Are they hungry? Thirsty? Is something painful? These are things the teacher is concerned about and the child must be able to say, point, or show teacher even through non-verbal cues.
4. Your child shows interest in anything school-related
Has your child shown interest in “reading” books? Does she pretend to bring a bag so that she can “go to school” just like her older siblings or cousins? Children who appear to do these things are more than ready to be in school!
5. Your child feels that you’re okay with the idea of her in school
I kid you not. Yes, sometimes the dilemma is with the parent or both parents as they feel that they aren’t ready with the idea of entrusting their child to someone other than a family member. If you think that you are ready and happy to include another adult (in this case, a preschool teacher) to your child’s formation, let your son or daughter feel it. It makes a world of difference when he or she knows that you’re comfortable with the thought of school.
At the end of the day, instead of simply focusing on the best age to start preschool, it’s important to weigh what will make you and your child happy. Choose a school and a program that both of you will be comfortable with so that schooling will be a positive experience!
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