HOW TO PREPARE CHILDREN FOR SCHOOL.

How to prepare children for school In many countries, the three years mark the beginning of pre-school education.

Although most programs are optional, many parents choose to send their children to school around the age of three.
Some children have previously been in daycare or kindergarten, others have been at home with their parents, relatives or a family. caregiver, and others have had a combination of both.

 Whatever the arrangement your preschool has had, if you decide to send him to school at age three, it is advisable to prepare him for this exciting step forward. As with any transition, it is very important that the child becomes familiar with the changes that lie ahead.
 The more we prepare, the easier it will be to join the school. What can we do to prepare them for school? Talk to them about the school, explain what it means to go to school, what happens at school, who will go, who is the teacher, what activities are done at school and let him ask you many questions about the school. If you have a little brother or friend who is already in school, suggest that he / she ask questions to him / her directly and share his / her experience. If you have the opportunity, visit the little school together. In many schools, they will allow you to spend some time with your preschooler in class before you have to leave. This is what experts recommend.
In general, parents start spending time in class and little by little they let the child spend more time on their own. At home they can read books about the school and even You can make your own book with pictures or drawings about the first day of school; What is going to happen? Who will accompany him? Who will be at school? What will it take? What activities are they likely to do? Who will pick you up? Reading books over and over again will help you feel more confident during your transition to school. Ask at school if you can bring a household item to have with him / her during your first few days. Having a familiar object in an unfamiliar environment will help you feel more comfortable.
 Sometimes, it's a good idea to give him a picture of his family that he can look at when he feels lonely or missed at school. At home, talk openly about the feelings one has when embarking on a new unknown adventure. Talk about the fear you may feel but also about the emotion that you feel your child will start school. Speak positively about school and show your enthusiasm for the new stage ahead.
 It is likely that you feel ambivalence about your preschool starting school, but we must try not to show them this ambivalence to give them the sense of security they need to enter a new phase in their development. It is important that you feel comfortable with the school or program you have chosen. Do not be afraid to ask questions, talk to the staff and make sure that all your questions have been resolved. If you are not comfortable with the program, it is very easy to transmit this feeling to your preschool. We always want to give you a message of security "I know that this is a great place for you where you will learn and make friends".
 Our security will engender security in them. It takes advantage of this achievement in its development to reflect on these last three years. Talk about all the goals you have achieved and how wonderful it is that you are ready to start the school. Celebrate this moment and enjoy it! Dr.
Helena Duch is a child and family psychologist specializing in working with families who are planning, expecting and raising children in early childhood. Dr. Helena holds a Ph.D. in child and school psychology from New York University and a master's degree in Child Development Psychology from Columbia University and a degree in Clinical Psychology from Ramon Llull University in Barcelona. In addition, Dr. Helena is licensed as a psychologist in the state of New York and in Spain, her native country.
NOTE: This article is for educational purposes only and does not replace a medical or psychological consultation. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health or behavioral problem, but consult a doctor or mental health professional who will examine you in person and who is authorized to practice your profession in the area where you live.