Starting preschool is a significant milestone for both children and parents in Singapore. With education highly valued, preparing for this new chapter is crucial. Here are some tips and experiences shared by Singaporean parents to help you and your child transition smoothly.
1. Research and Select the Right Preschool
Tip: Attend open houses and observe the environment. Look for clean, safe, and stimulating settings with friendly and qualified staff.
Experience: “We visited three different preschools before making our decision. Seeing the classrooms and meeting the teachers helped us feel more confident about our choice,” shared Sarah Tan, mother of three-year-old Ethan.
2. Familiarize Your Child with Preschool
Tip: Discuss what preschool is and what they can expect. Use positive language and share stories about your own experiences or those of older siblings.
Experience: “We read a lot of books about starting school and took a few trips to the preschool playground. By the time school started, my daughter was excited rather than nervous,” said Rajesh Kumar, father of four-year-old Priya.
3. Establish Routine and Independence
Tip: Create a consistent daily routine that includes time for waking up, meals, play, and bedtime. Teach your child basic self-help skills such as dressing, using the toilet, and washing hands.
Experience: “We started a bedtime and wake-up routine a month before preschool began. This helped our son adjust to the new schedule without too much fuss,” noted Angela Lim, mother of five-year-old Lucas.
4. Foster Social Skills
Tip: Arrange playdates with other children to help develop social skills like sharing, taking turns, and communicating effectively. Demonstrate polite interactions and empathy at home.
Experience: “We organized playdates with kids from the neighborhood who would be in the same class. It made the first day less intimidating because there were already familiar faces,” explained David Ong, father of three-year-old Chloe.
5. Emotional Preparation
Tip: Talk about feelings related to starting preschool. Reassure your child that it’s normal to feel excited, nervous, or even scared. Read books about starting school to normalize the experience.
Experience: “We made a game out of identifying and naming emotions. It helped my son express himself better and cope with the new environment,” shared Melissa Ng, mother of four-year-old Ryan.
Practical Tips for the First Days
Tip: Start slowly, with shorter days initially if possible. Develop a special goodbye routine that is quick and consistent, and be punctual for drop-offs and pickups. Show enthusiasm about preschool and your child’s experiences.
Experience: “We came up with a fun handshake and hug routine that we did every morning at drop-off. It became something my daughter looked forward to and eased the separation,” said Kevin Lee, father of five-year-old Megan.
Conclusion
Preparing for preschool involves emotional, social, and practical steps. By taking the time to research, plan, and support your child, you can make the transition a positive and enriching experience. Remember, every child is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. Be patient, stay flexible, and celebrate the small milestones along the way. With the right preparation, both you and your child can look forward to a rewarding preschool journey in Singapore.
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Genesis Childcare 1989 (Tampines) has been a leading early childhood education and care provider since 1989. Our preschool, infant care, and childcare center is now recognized as one of Singapore's most adored and admired early childhood institutions.
At Genesis Childcare 1989 (Tampines), our teachers are encouraging and enabling the children to achieve their full potential. Our teachers are enthusiastic, passionate, caring, and encouraging. All educators at Genesis Childcare 1989 (Tampines) are carefully chosen based on their professional credentials and experience to ensure that the children receive the best care and education. In addition, in order to keep abreast of the most recent developments in the field of early childhood education, they must regularly participate in training.
Check out our Genesis Childcare 1989 if you're looking for excellent Tampines childcare. Visit Nurture Infant House if you're looking for Tampines infant care or infant care in Tampines. It is intended for infants aged 2 to 18 months. You can find out more about our Tampines infant care here.
Genesis Childcare 1989 (Tampines)
Blk 433 Tampines Street 43 #01-63/65 Singapore 520433
Nurture Infant House (Tampines) (2 to 18 months Infants)
Blk 433 Tampines Street 43 #01-61 Singapore 520433
Opening hours: Monday to Friday (7am to 7pm) & Saturday (7am to 2pm)
Public Bus services: 8 / 21 / 28 / 29 / 293
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