SENDING your child to play school for the first time is an exciting, but also a daunting experience.
While most children are ready for play school by the time that they are three, others may be ready from as early as the age of two.
However, before they can start nursery school, children should display a certain degree of independence.
“Basic skills that your child should master before they start school differ widely, as each child is unique and develops at their own pace,” says Idél Combrink, a foundation phase school teacher.
“But by the time your child goes to play school, they should be an active participant in their own discovery and exploration of the world around them.
They should be asking questions, processing your answers and developing their own basic understanding of how things work.”
Signs that your child may be ready to start play school
They require more sti
mulation
outside of home
Signs of this include asking for play dates, losing interest in toys and activities at home and constantly wanting to go on outings or trips away from home.
They’re able to
spend time away from you
Your child should be used to, and comfortable with, spending a few hours with a grandparent or nanny when you’re not there.
They can m
ake themselves understood
It’s not necessary for your child to speak full sentences, but they should be capable of making simple requests and communicating their needs. They should be able to give you a basic idea of what they did at school when you fetch them after the first day.
They can focus on an activity on their own
Play school typically includes many short activities. Your child should ideally be able to work on some or other task on their own for five to 10 minutes. This could be a puzzle, a drawing or stacking building blocks.
They can perform basic personal skills
Some play schools require your child to be potty trained before they start school, so find out when you enquire about enrolment. They should also be able to eat a snack on their own, wash their own hands and do things like taking off shoes and pulling up their own pants.
They cope
well in a group
You can test this by taking your child to a moms-and-tots’ group or a reading morning at the library. They should be able to sit still in a circle, follow basic instructions and learn to share toys with others.
(Issued: Clicks)
