Preparing Your Toddler for Preschool

"What then do toddlers need? What activities can a parent or caregiver easily provide that will keep a toddler happy, occupied, and stimulated? Parenting an infant is one thing; but coping with the specific needs for a toddler is something many of us find extremely challenging. Parents at home all day - every day - with toddlers ofetn entertain the thought that professional (early childhood educators or trained and experience day-care workers) could do a better job of occupying and stimulating their children.

Would their child be happier, better occumpied, and more stimulated if he were cared for by professionals? In certain extreme situations, the answer may be yes, but most parents lack experience and confidence. Whether they know it or not, parents usually have what it takes to keep their toddlers happy and stimulated. Keep in mind that most of the activities in prechools and day-care centers imitate what can naturaly occur in the home on a day-to-day basis: talking, singing, reading, exploring, having a snack, playing outdoors, playing with friends or siblings, napping, and so on."

Cynthia Catlin, in her book "Toddlers Together: The Complete Planning Guide for a Toddler Curriculum."

So what are some of the things that we can do at home?

Read one of your child's favorite books, think of something out of the book that you think you can make an activitiy out of, like coloring, a song, or game, and then do that.

Sing lots of songs, and act them out or dance while you sing.

Think of a game you can play. Example: go online and find a picture of a hourse, sheep, dog, chicken, and a cat. Print out two sets of each picture, then cut them out. Put one set on a board, and the other set cut into whatever shapes you like. have your child match the pictures up. With the older toddlers, start to encourage them by saying what the cut out shapes are, and the names of the animal.

Crafts: You would be amazed how much toddlers like to make crafts, even if they lose their interest quickly. It's still worth it to introduce them to coloring, making cards for Daddy or the grandparents (and an extra one for you to save), or any other neat ideas you see in a book, read about online, or hear about in MOPS.

Go outside and explore. Let them touch the rocks, grass, water - even if that means they will get dirty - that's what grubby clothes are for! Mention what things are when the are showing interest, like the wind blowing their hair in their face, or the birds singing, the leaves turning colors, the snow being cold, the rain falling, or a dog running. Just have fun!Hide toys and play hide and seek or Stuffed Animal Safari...of course, yo will need to help them fnd it. You can even let the older toddlers hide the toys, if you are brave. Some may prefer to do the hiding though.

How can I get my kids out and about with other kids in the area?

Well, one of the best ways is to start at MOPS! Not only is this a great environment, but it's also a great place to create play dates with other moms and their children. If those moms are busy, though, or you just want to find other places, here are a few other ideas:

The Library | It's a great place to go, not only for books but for story time and activities. Be sure to check out Timberland Library's website (http://www.trlib.org/Locations/LocationsMap.aspx) for the most up-to-date schedule on story times and events for your local library.

Local Parks and Indoor Play Areas | Both are great places to let the kids run off extra energy and allows you to meet potential playmates and their moms.

Swim Lessons | A fun time for you and your child, plus yet another place to take your kids.

What resources are there for me to come up with creative ideas?

The Internet | Here are just a few of the websites you can check out: www.toddlertoddler.com, www.preschoolexpress.com/toddler_station.html, http://metoo.clubspaces.com, www.adaycare.com. Looking for something else? Just go to www.google.com and type in what you're after - you'll likely find it!

The Library (Again!) | If you aren't ready to buy just any book yet, go check out the Library. Here are a couple of books full of ideas: "Everything Toddler Activities Book," "The Encyclopedia of Infant and Toddler Activities," "The Toddler's Busy Book," "The 2000 Best Games and Activities," "Toddler Play," and "Toddlers Learn By Doing."

Preparing to Take Your Child to Preschool

Excerpted from www.Scholastic.com

The start of preschool is an exciting but sometimes scary moment for you and your child. Whether your little one attends school for a few hours a week or several hours a day, there's much to do and think about. What kind of program is best? How can you tell when your child is ready? What will s/he learn? What's the best way to prepare?

Is Your Child Ready?

Most preschools require the child is 3 years old (by August 31st) before starting preschool.

Child has developed the ability to speak in short sentences.

Most schools require the child to be potty trained.

Child should know how to pull down and up their undergarments and to wash and dry their hands.

Child should be able to manage finger foods and use a regular cup without a spout in order to handle preschool meals.

Child should be able to put on their own shoes and coat, although most teacher expect to help with buttons and zippers.

Counting Down to the First Day of Preschool!

12 months before: Find out what programs are available in your community and what their applications/admissions policies are. Visit schools you’re interested in – be sure to do it while class is in session. Some will have organized tours and formal application processes, while others just want a small deposit to secure your spot. Follow up with the relevant application procedures for the schools you’re interested in.

4 weeks before: Once you’ve decided upon a school, review its policies to learn how teachers will help your child make the transition. Many offer a phase-in period to help her acclimate.

4 weeks before: If necessary, adjust sleep schedules so that bedtime and naps coordinate with the school schedule.

4 weeks before: Begin talking with your child about school, but keep it casual. Point out the building as you drive by, or mention while coloring that there will be lots of fun art projects in preschool. Also remember that she will pick up on your own feelings, so try to stay positive and excited – without being overwhelming! It’s a delicate balance.

3 weeks before: Read books about school to familiarize your child with the concept. Stories will also prompt conversation about his own new school. But don’t focus exclusively on these kinds of books – keep reading other favorites too.

2 weeks before: Go school shopping. Have your child help you pick out a few new (washable, comfortable) outfits, some shoes, or a backpack. Being involved gives her a sense of control.

1-2 weeks before: If possible, walk by the school and visit the grounds. Let your child play on the swings and even peek in the windows. This brings the concept of school to life.

1 week before: Get out your label-maker or permanent marker. Everything that goes into the classroom should have your child’s name on it, if you’d like to see it again!

1 week before: Have your child meet her teacher and visit the classroom. Some teachers will do a home visit too. Or – or in addition – see if you can get the names and numbers of some of the kids in the class so you can set up some playdates.

1 day before: Prepare everything in advance – your child’s first-day outfit; any supplies the school asks you to bring, such as an extra change of clothes; your camera! Remind your child that tomorrow is his first day, but again, keep it low key.

On the first day: Allow plenty of time to arrive at school, and plan to spend some time in the classroom once you get there. Many schools request that you stay in the room for the entire session, at least for the first day. The first day may be a shortened session. It may be 2 to 3 weeks before the class works up to the planned schedule.

For the first few weeks: Take your time making the transition. Every child will respond differently. If possible, stay in the classroom with your child for as long as he needs you, and work with the teachers to help him adjust.

How to Homeschool Your Toddler

Whether you plan to homeschool your child through high school, or just for a few years, it is smart to start homeschooling at preschool age. Here is what you need to know to homeschool your preschooler.

Things You'll Need: Computer | Printer | Pencils | Alphabet | Number Flashcards | Posters

Look for resources online (such as www.abchomepreschool.com) and at the Library.

Step 1 | Continue parenting as usual. There should not be a distinct difference between normal care for your preschooler and homeschooling your preschooler. Continue reading to them regularly, singing nursery rhymes with them, and teaching them important skills such as getting dressed, tying shoes, and keeping themselves clean.

Step 2 | Find a place that the child can clearly see and tape the Alphabet to the wall. Tape Numbers to the wall as well. Teach them to sing the Alphabet song while at the same time pointing to each letter so they will learn to associate the name of the letter with what it looks like.

Step 3 | Take your preschooler on play dates. Learning to get along with others and to share are skills taught in preschool. Make sure your preschooler get to spend ample time with other children in his or her age range, and also of different ages.

Step 4 | Take your preschooler to the Library. Learning to pay attention is also a very important preschooler skill. You can teach this skill by taking them to the Library for free story time where they will sit with other children and families and be entertained by the stories.

Step 5 | Purchase Preschool CD-ROM programs. Numerous games will teach and reinforce everything a child needs to learn in a preschool program. Some great programs are: "Reader Rabbit Preschool," "School Zone Alphabet Express," "Disney Preschool Bundle," and "Jumpstart Advanced Preschool."

The Library has some of these programs and you can also find some great courses online. Netflix also has a great selection of educational DVDs.